They don’t make newsmen like that anymore





Mary Henkel Judson is editor and copublisher of the South Jetty. Contact her at (361) 749-5131 or southjetty@centurytel. net.

Mary Henkel Judson is editor and copublisher of the South Jetty. Contact her at (361) 749-5131 or southjetty@centurytel. net.

He’s a walking encyclopedia and, even though he’s past the traditional retirement age (not by much), he’s a technocrat.

He’s the “go-to” guy in the office when a computer (or its operator) malfunctions.

He can take volumes of information – often quite complicated – and distill and summarize it so the Average Joe “gets it.”

One look can drill holes through you, then the twinkle in the eye and the broad grin return to leave you giggling like a kid.

Can’t remember the words to a song, its title, the artist? He knows.

Wonder who wrote a book, the year a certain governor held office? He knows.

He has experience in radio and TV journalism all across Texas and in Arizona as well.

He has written, shot (photos, that is), and talked for a living for more than 40 years.

He’s seen mayors, commissioners, judges, state representatives, senators and governors come and go. He’s written them in and written them out – and there’s probably a book in him somewhere.

He’s had a helluva career, and as he begins a slow retreat by switching to part time at the South Jetty while lending a hand to our friends at the Aransas Pass Progress, he leaves big shoes to fill here. These days, a good newsman (or woman) is hard to find.

They don’t make ’em like that anymore: Solid newsmen who live and breathe their craft and do it well.

“He” is reporter Phil Reynolds (aka Professor Gadget), and the South Jetty and Port Aransas have been fortunate to be on the receiving end of his talent and dedication.

Thanks, Phil. It’s been a good ride.

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