Vela, Filemon Bartolome Born May 1, 1935, in Harlingen, TX Died April 13, 2004, in Harlingen, TX Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas Nominated by Jimmy Carter on January 22, 1980, to a seat vacated by Reynaldo G. Garza. Confirmed by the Senate on June 18, 1980, and received commission on June 18, 1980. Assumed senior status on May 1, 2000. Service terminated on April 13, 2004, due to death. Education: St. Mary`s University School of Law, J.D., 1962 Professional Career: U.S. Army Private, 1957-1959 Private practice, Harlingen, Texas, 1962-1963 Private practice, Brownsville, Texas, 1963-1974 City commissioner, Brownsville, Texas, 1971-1973 Judge, 107th Judicial District, Cameron and Willacy Counties, Texas, 1975-1980 Research Collections