BATON ROUGE - Federal District Court Judge, James J. Brady, passed away early Saturday evening, according to Middle District of Louisiana Clerk of Court, Mike McConnell. 

"The judges of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana mourn the loss of our esteemed colleague and friend, Judge James J. Brady," Chief Judge Brian Jackson said in a statement Saturday night.

Brady served as Senior Judge for the Middle District, located in Baton Rouge, since 2013.

Brady was nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1999. He was confirmed by the United States Senate 10 months later.

Brady graduated from Southeastern University in 1966. He received a law degree from LSU in 1969.

"Judge Brady dedicated his life to public service, and despite his many accomplishments, he was as good and humble a man I have ever met," Governor John Bel Edwards said in a statement Saturday night. "Most importantly, he represented honesty, fairness, and integrity on the federal bench in Louisiana, and his wisdom in the courtroom will be sorely missed."

Acting U.S. District Attorney Corey Amundson also issued a statement on Brady's passing.

"My colleagues at the U.S. Attorney's Office and I are greatly saddened by Judge Brady's passing," Amundson said.  "He was a great man, and a dedicated jurist with tremendous compassion, integrity and ability.  Our prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.  We will miss him greatly."