On Saturday, April 25, 2026, KWTX reported that Judge Jim Meyer, the presiding judge of the 170th State District Court in Waco, Texas, retired on April 24 after nearly 24 years on the bench. Friends and colleagues gathered in Meyer’s courtroom to celebrate his career, which included complex civil litigation in McLennan County.
Meyer, 76, reflected on his tenure, stating, “I’ve been doing this for 24 years and I appreciate that somebody has appreciated my 24 years.” He mentioned that he spent 28 years as a trial lawyer before becoming a judge. He noted he really enjoyed being a judge, and the only reason he stopped is that he is 76.
During his time on the bench, Meyer presided over major civil disputes, notably the lawsuits stemming from the 2013 ammonium nitrate explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. plant. This involved over 100 lawsuits, with 15 fatalities, approximately 160 injuries, and the destruction or damage of more than 150 homes and buildings. Meyer managed hundreds of plaintiffs and attorneys throughout the litigation, which took over two years to resolve. He also presided over a product liability case related to a 2003 bus crash near Hewitt, which resulted in seven deaths and numerous injuries.
Meyer sent his resignation letter to Gov. Greg Abbott on March 4, waiting until after the primary election to ensure a smooth transition for the court. He was only the third judge to preside over the 170th District Court in Waco. Lawyers described him as meticulously prepared, even-tempered, and deeply knowledgeable about complex civil cases.
Gina Long, who won the Republican primary and has no Democratic opponent in the November general election, is expected to succeed Meyer when his term expires on January 1, 2027.
Meyer does not plan to return to law practice or serve as a visiting judge. He has contacted the governor and turned in his license. Instead, he intends to spend more time with his family, particularly his sons and grandchildren in the Dallas and Rockwall areas.
Source: KWTX
