MIDLAND James M. Alsup of Midland has been selected as one of four 2018 recipients of the Texas Bar Foundation’s Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award. The award recognizes attorneys whose practice has spanned 50 years or more and who adhere to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession and service to the public.
James Morris “Jim” Alsup was born in Patton, in 1937. He grew up in Valley Mills, where he developed an affinity for hard work and a love for the outdoors. He served in the United States Army and thereafter attended the University of Texas. While working his way through law school in Austin, Alsup met the love of his life, Sandra. Jim and Sandy were soon married and, upon Alsup’s graduation in 1964, moved to Midland where Alsup took a position as an assistant city attorney.
Alsup soon involved himself in service to others through community groups and church. Alsup joined Lynch, Chappell & Alsup in 1967. He grew in influence professionally and in service to others, becoming a leader in the legal community, in the community at large and in his church.
Alsup served the profession tirelessly in multiple capacities. Alsup’s leadership in community service is unparalleled in Midland – a city known for its volunteer spirit. Alsup has served on boards of service organizations too many to name; however, a few include Schreiner University Midland Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support, Inc., the Scharbauer Foundation and as President of the Midland Petroleum Club.
Sandy passed away in February after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Alsup’s sons, Devin and Jeff along with his wife, Lynn, have blessed Alsup with five grandchildren. Devin practices law in Midland and Jeff is the executive director of the Fasken Foundation, also located in Midland.
Alsup is now of counsel to the firm that bears his name and continues a life of service in the community and through his church.
The Bar Foundation commissioned an oral history to recognize and preserve the accomplishments of Alsup’s legal career. Additionally, he will be publicly recognized at the Texas Bar Foundation Annual Dinner held on June 22 at the Marriott Marquis in Houston.
Founded in 1965 by attorneys determined to assist the public and improve the profession, the Texas Bar Foundation has become the largest charitably-funded bar foundation in the country. The Texas Bar Foundation relies on the contributions of its Fellows to improve the lives of Texans. To date, through the generosity of the Fellows, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $18 million in grants to numerous organizations across the state.
Election to the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member of the State Bar of Texas, representing the top one-third of one percent of Texas attorneys. Selection is based on an outstanding record in the legal profession as well as proven commitment to support the community at large. For more information about the Texas Bar Foundation, please visit www.txbf.org.
