January 4, 2025
Resumé of GUILFORD L JONES III

Guilford L. Jones, III (Gil)

413 County Road 144
Marble Falls, TX 78654
830-613-4630

contact@JudgeGilJones.com

JudgeGilJones.com

www.linkedin.com/in/gil-jones-11924958/

Honorable Members of the Burnet County Commissioners Court:

It is with great respect and a deep commitment to public service that I present my qualifications for consideration as Burnet County Judge to complete the remainder of the vacated term. My life and career have been dedicated to leadership, problem-solving, and serving my community, and I am honored to seek the opportunity to bring this experience to the role of County Judge.

I do not intend to run for the position in the next election.

I am a proud Texan and a product of The University of Texas, where I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 1966 and a Juris Doctor from the School of Law in 1973. These foundations have shaped a career focused on analysis, leadership, and service to others.

Professional Experience

Over the past five decades, I have developed a diverse set of skills in law, accounting and finance, governance, and conflict resolution. My career began in accounting as part of the audit staff with Arthur Andersen & Co. in Houston, where I gained hands-on experience with complex financial reporting and analysis.

In 1973, I transitioned to law, establishing a private practice that thrived for nearly 25 years. My work concentrated on estate planning, probate, guardianships, business organizations, and general civil litigation, helping individuals and businesses make critical decisions with confidence. As general counsel to the Big Spring Independent School District, I successfully handled desegregation issues involving the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and a federal civil rights case.

In 1996, I was honored to be elected to serve as Judge of the 33rd Judicial District of Texas, a role I held with integrity for 16 years. In this capacity, I presided over civil, criminal, juvenile and family law cases, ensuring fairness and impartiality. Extra-Judicial activities included:

• Fostering the creation of an additional District Court (the 424th) to aid the burgeoning docket of the 33rd, ,, and helped author the legislation.

• Helped author the legislation creating the Burnet County Court-at-Law.

• Served on the Texas Supreme Court Task Force on Foster Care.
  In 2015 I served a brief stint filling a vacated term of Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Burnet

  County.

  Since 2013, I have worked as a professional mediator and arbitrator and am credentialed “Distinguished” by the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association. I have mediated many hundreds of disputes with a success rate exceeding 90%, bringing parties together with a focus on reasonable outcomes and efficient processes, thus disposing of many cases that otherwise would have clogged the dockets of the County and District Courts.

  Military and Leadership Experience

  My commitment to service began in the United States Navy, where I served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam conflict. As an officer, I directed the communications message center and served as underway Officer of the Deck, managing critical operations and personnel with precision and care.

  This foundation of leadership has informed my civic and community engagement. I am a lifelong Rotarian and founding president of the Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary. I have also chaired significant projects, such as the development of a $3 million, 120-unit, HUD-funded retirement home for elderly and disabled residents in Big Spring which I managed from concept through completion. Afterwards I similarly consulted on the same type of project in Midland.

  Additionally, I have served the Episcopal Church as Senior Warden, parochial school board chairman, and Trust Fund Chair. In the 1980’s I was a member and president of the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Tri-Commission for Economic Development, fostering regional growth and opportunity. I also previously served on the (now superseded) Burnet County Hospital Authority board.

I served a partial term on the Marble Falls ISD school board, resigning upon my election to the bench in 1996.

Vision for Burnet County

Burnet County faces complex challenges, from managing growth and infrastructure to ensuring fiscal responsibility and maintaining our community’s quality of life. I am a planner and problem-solver at heart, with a proven ability to analyze issues, anticipate challenges, and implement practical solutions.

As County Judge, I will bring a collaborative approach to leadership, working closely with the Commissioners Court, County departments, and all stakeholders to address the county’s needs effectively. My extensive experience in law, finance, and governance equips me to oversee the budget and serve as a fair and impartial leader for the Commissioners Court. My years on the bench and as a mediator have honed my ability to navigate difficult situations and bring people together to find common ground.

I will also assume the optional judicial functions to hear cases including probates, contested probates, and guardianships in collaboration with the County Court-at-Law. Having spent 16 years on the District Court bench I can do so immediately.

A Lifetime of Service and Commitment

I have called Burnet County home for 40 years and have a deep love for this community. My grandparents came to Marble Falls in the early 20th century, so I have roots here beginning in my childhood. My career and personal life reflect a commitment to integrity, leadership, and service. I believe in building a future for Burnet County that honors our traditions while addressing the needs of a growing and diverse population.

I am confident that my background, skills, and dedication uniquely position me to serve as Burnet County Judge. It would be my honor to work with you and the citizens of Burnet County to continue a bright and prosperous future for the County.

Respectfully submitted,

Guilford L. Jones, III

Timeline:

Education:
Juris Doctor – The University of Texas School of Law, 1973
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting – School of Business*, The University of Texas at Austin, 1966

Professional Experience:
Mediator and Arbitrator
Self-Employed | 2013 – Present
Credentialed "Distinguished" Mediator by the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association.

State District Judge

33rd Judicial District of Texas | 1997 – 2012

Justice of the Peace

Pct 4 Burnet County | 2015, 6-month interim service

Attorney at Law

Private Practice | 1973 – 1997

Audit Staff Member

Arthur Andersen & Co. (Houston Office) | 1966, 1969 – 1971

Tenure interrupted by service in the Navy.

United States Navy Officer

USS Kitty Hawk | 1966-1969

*Now known as the McCombs School of Business