J. Harry Michael Jr.

J. Harry Michael Jr.

United States District Judge James Harry Michael, Jr., 86, passed away in his home.

Born Oct. 17, 1918, in Charlottesville, he was the son of the late James H. Michael and Reuben Shelton Michael.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Puryear Michael; and his brother, Warren T. Michael.

A lifelong resident of Charlottesville, he graduated from Lane High School. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Raven Society. His tenure at the University was central to the development of his overarching sense of honor, dignity and fairness. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was an Editor of the Law Review, under an accelerated curriculum program in 1942 so as to serve in World War II with the Navy. He served as a destroyer officer in the Southwest Pacific. Following the war, he continued in the Naval Reserve, retiring at the rank of Commander.

In 1946, he returned to Charlottesville to practice law, first with Michael and Musselman and then with Michael and Dent. In 1980, he was appointed to the federal bench as United States District Judge for the Western District, a position he held until his death. On the bench, Judge Michael was renowned for his distinguished and dignified bearing, a bearing that masked a dry sense of humor. He believed solemnly in the wisdom of juries. He was renowned for his generosity of spirit and fairness. He was committed to treating every individual he encountered with respect and dignity, exemplified by his practice of stepping down from the bench at the end of every criminal trial to shake hands with the defendant, no matter the outcome of the case.

In addition to his service on the trial court, over his twenty-five years on the federal bench, Judge Michael frequently sat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. One of his favorite judicial duties was administering the oath of citizenship for new citizens at Monticello each 4th of July.

Harry "Nick" Michael was a committed public servant. In 1967, he was elected to the Virginia State Senate until he was appointed to the bench in 1980. Senator Michael served the Commonwealth of Virginia in many capacities, including membership on the Senate Finance Committee, Commerce & Labor, Courts of Justice, Rules, Education & Health, and the Code Commission. A zealous advocate of the Charlottesville area, Senator Michael ensured significant funding to the University of Virginia and routing of new Interstate 64 through Charlottesville. He designed the seal of the Virginia State Senate. Senator Michael ran as the Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor in 1973 against John Dalton. Respected as a legislator nationwide, Senator Michael was chairman of the Council of State Governments in 1975.

He was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he served as a Trustee, on the Vestry, and as a frequent lay reader. He was a co-founder of the Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad. He was a founding member of both the local U.S. Naval Reserve and the Navy League. He served on the Charlottesville Public School Board from 1951 to 1962, on the Board of Trustees of the Church Schools of the Diocese of Virginia, and the Board of Trustees of the University of Virginia Medical School Foundation.

Judge Michael is survived by his two daughters, Victoria von der Au Michael of Richmond and Jarrett Michael Stephens of Irvington; son-in-law R. Lee Stephens Jr.; and two grandsons, Robert L. Stephens III and James Harry Michael Stephens.

Judge Michael's family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Daniel M. Becker, the University of Virginia Medical Center, and physical therapist, Becky Williams, for their dedicated medical care. Special thanks go to his wonderful home caregivers Anne Thompson, Linda Walker, Patsy Treakle, Thelma Whiting, Dallas Booker, and Lilly Booker.

The family also owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to his administrative assistant for the last twenty-five years, Peggy Williams.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005, in the Christ Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Jeffrey Fishwick officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 160, Charlottesville, VA 22902 or Christ Episcopal Church, 100 West Jefferson St., Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Hill & Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.