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Jon McPHAIL Obituary

McPHAIL, Jon Jon B. McPhail, a gifted litigator who committed his career to protecting those in need, died unexpectedly the morning of January 2. He was 65. He was a graduate of Wake Forest University, Emory University, and the University of Virginia School of Law. His focus was on contract litigation, and his greatest contributions to both the legal field and his clients were in mortgage and property law. He argued a case before the Georgia Supreme Court, and often represented clients who could not afford to pay him. Outside of the courtroom, he worked to protect green spaces and natural resources both as a board member of Milton Grows Green, and through his participation in the Natural Resources Committee in Alpharetta. Throughout his life, Jon devoted all of his energy and his intellect to serving others, including neighbors, family, and those with substance abuse issues. In his free time, Jon could be found plying golf, arguing with friends about sports, listening to Warren Zevon, walking his dog with his loving wife along the Alpharetta Greenway, and helping his son build a deck in Atlanta. He is preceded by his father R.B. McPhail, and survived by his mother Maggie McPhail, the love of his life, wife Martha Cato McPhail, and son Leeland Thomas McPhail. Family, friends, and those whose lives Jon touched are invited to the Dunwoody Nature Center on January 20th from 1-3pm to grieve his loss and celebrate his life. Condolences can be left for the family at www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Jon McPHAIL

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Chad Foster

January 7, 2021

Jon had an engaging smile and cared about his friends deeply. Jon was a guy's guy and always had an engaging spirit that uplifted those around him. Always an optimist, he saw the best in everything in his world. We shared a common struggle and Jon fought it head-on. Since we never know when the end is at hand, the time to reconcile is now, and Jon knew this. What a comfort this must be to Lee and Martha. God Bless.

Mark Colm

January 2, 2020

Martha
I was thinking about Jon today. I went to look him up on the internet and learned about his untimely passing. Jon and yourself were sop supportive of me when I started out as a lawyer. My life has taken me to a 25 year career on wall Street butt i will always member my friendship with Jon. My cell is 917-816-6772 Martha dont be a stranger.

Howard & Ronnie Zandman

January 21, 2019

Martha,

From the very first days that I met Jon at Bovis Kyle, I knew that he was a brilliant lawyer. We shared other things in common such as IT stuff and gadgets and good old ball games. I got to know him very well over those first few years during the first incarnation of M&M and then the second, all the while as we fought for the right number to be paid under the policy. Well, now Jon is done fighting and is resting is peace. May his memory always be one of a blessing.

Sorry, that Ronnie & I could not make it to the funeral or any of the service as we were on a ski trip all of last week that had been planned for many months. We wish that we could have been there to help comfort you during that time.

With the fondest of memories

Dean Ainsworth

January 20, 2019

Martha, Dean from the Y. Fsu Dad. I was so so shocked and saddened to learn about Jon. We share some old insurance litigation stories often. He would have been great to work with. I was very close to staff counsel at Aetna and it was always a valued group of colleagues. Well all miss him and want you to know we grieve with you. May God surround you with his grace and strength to help you deal with this huge loss. All my best and prayers. Dean Ainsworth

Leeland McPhail

January 16, 2019

Thank you Chad and Neal for your words. Good words. Hope to see you this Sunday at 1pm at the Dunwoody Nature Center.

Neal Cason

January 15, 2019

Martha, I am so sorry for your loss and words cannot express the sorrow i am feeling for you and your family. I have known Jon for over 35 years and worked with him on several legal matters. His intellect and quick mind always impressed me along with many others he worked with over the years. We also shared a passion for golf and i will always remember the fun we had playing golf together even though he stood on the wrong side of the ball. Jon will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known him. May he rest in peace!

Chad Foster

January 15, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to Martha and Leeland. Jon possessed a quick mind and equally quick smile.
We shared several common traits, for good and for bad, but not the gift of putting. I remember playing golf with Jon, and he never missed a putt inside 10', and with that tiny center shafted toe curled putter. His efforts inspired me to go buy that putter, thinking it had to be the putter. I couldn't shed that thing fast enough.
Jon fought the good fight and will be missed.

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Memorial Events
for Jon McPHAIL

Jan

20

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Dunwoody Nature Center

GA

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