Name: Robert J. Beckham
Age: 79
Family: Emily (wife), Robert Jr., Eugene and John (sons)
Pets: Rusty and Punch (Jack Russell terriers)
Education: Emory University, BA 1952; University of Florida, LLB 1955
Admitted to the Bar: 1955
Employed by: Holland & Knight LLP, of Counsel.
Field of practice: Litigation
Professional Organizations: American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers
Community Involvement: DESC (Downtown Ecumenical Services Council); JALA (Jacksonville Area Legal Aid)
How did you get involved?
DESC — My church (1st Methodist) is a founder and I was asked (some years ago) to represent it on the Board. I am honored presently to be President of DESC. JALA — A partner, Donny Mackenzie, has led the way for me, and Holland & Knight has enthusiastically encouraged. I served on its Board and received its Equal Justice Award for 2007.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Both DESC & JALA have taught me that each of us has the capacity to help those in need in a myriad of opportunities, within and without our profession.
JALA “Legal Aid” is well known within our community and performs “miracles” for its clients.
DESC, Downtown Ecumenical Services Council, is not so well known. Founded in 1983 as an emergency ministry providing food, financial assistance and clothing to people in temporary need in our community. We seek to provide more than the necessities of life; we strive to provide a listening ear, direction to resources that can help in the long term and a positive word of encouragement as well.
In 2008, DESC interviewed almost 15,000 adults and children concerning their needs. Almost 20,000 telephone inquires were processed. Over 4,000 food packages were distributed, and a similar number of clothing requests were honored.
DESC is a 501(3)c non profit organization, wholly dependent upon donations of cash, food and clothing articles that are suitable for continued use. On occasion, additional grants are received upon application by DESC to various sources of charitable support. Our “Big Bubba” catfish tournament each fall is the major fundraiser — and it’s fun!
DESC is located at 215 Ocean St. in Downtown. It has the support of a number of churches in the Duval County area, and it is not limited to “Downtown” needs. The entire northeast Florida area is serviced through our facility.
On occasion, financial support is furnished to deserving applicants, to cover utility bills and deposits, rent etc. — all on a temporary basis. DESC has computerized information relating to each recipient of aid so as to insure that no one abuses the process by trying to have the “temporary” assistance evolve into a “permanent” or “semi-permanent” situation.
The Downtown business and professional community is a prime resource for the accumulation and donation of appropriate clothing and footwear to go to the clothing ministry of DESC. We encourage the larger offices, especially, to solicit from all of their people the donation of clothing and footwear for redistribution to those in need. The DESC phone number is 358-7955, and inquiries for further information should be directed to that number.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
The recent election cycle led me to forego books in favor of “across the board” magazines; my next read will be “The Shack” by Wm. P. Young.