On Saturday morning I learned that the Texas Department of Pardons and Paroles sent a note to my son's attorney Bill Habern to let them know that they had granted my son's request for parole. I am deeply grateful that the Parole Board made this decision.

Jon has spent more than half of his life in prison for a crime he committed when he was 17 years old. He is now almost 43. During all of those years my son has done everything he could possibly do to repent for his crime and to try to make something of his ruined life.  Jon knows that he can never bring back Paul Broussard. That will be his burden to bear for the rest of his life. He will always hope, as he says, for the forgiveness of Paul’s family. While that forgiveness may never come, Jon and I will nevertheless always hope that someday it might come to pass. 

When Jon gets out of prison, his life will not be easy. The world has changed profoundly in the last quarter century. While he has worked hard and earned two associate's, one bachelor's degree and a master's degree Jon will of necessity have to learn to live with the freedom that he has missed. Jon has a loving family to come home to and he has friends who have supported him in his efforts both on the outside and in prison. It will be a difficult transition, but those of us who know and love Jon will do our best to support him and help him to make something of his life. Jon wishes to do everything he can to contribute to the community. It will not be an easy path.

I would like to thank everyone who has played a role in helping to support Jon throughout all of the time and who are hoping and praying that he will be successful.

Thanks you to all of you who have helped this come to pass.

Sincerely,

Jim Buice

11/18/2018
Corrections in red 11/23/2015