James Harrison Disney

James Harrison Disney Oct. 14, 1930 - Dec. 13, 2013 Resident of Walnut Creek James Harrison Disney died December 13, 2013. A native of North Dakota, he was a long time resident of Walnut Creek, California. He was a third generation attorney. Jim graduated from Sacred Heart Academy High School in Fargo, ND, and attended St. John's University in Minnesota before transferring to University of San Francisco (USF) where he graduated in 1952. At USF he was an elected student body officer and head yell leader to the historic 1951 USF football team. He originated USF's first annual Homecoming, and was a member of the Delta Sigma Pi professional fraternity. He was a Lieutenant in the Navy, serving aboard the USS Hornet as a CIC Officer, Intercept Air Controller, and Asst. Navigator. He married Olga Degiorgio Disney, and was extremely proud of his four children: Michele, John, Kate, and Jeanne. He had five grandchildren: Rosie and Simon Burdick, and Ben, Ray, and Harry Disney. Jim received his law degree from USF Law School in 1959. From 1959-1967 he was assistant district Real Estate Agent for Tidewater Oil Company, a title examiner for Title Insurance and Trust, and a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County, where he gained litigation experience. In 1967 he opened an office in Concord for the solo practice of law. Several cases advanced by him in the appellate courts became landmark cases cited in legal treatises. He was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court (1970) and the United States Tax Court (1973), as well as other State and Federal Courts. He campaigned unsuccessfully for Municipal Court judge in 1977. More importantly, he wanted to be known as an honest lawyer and a credible mentor. Jim was a past commodore of the Diablo Sailing Club, past president of Kiwanis Concord, charter member of the Diablo A's and Knights of Columbus Concord, and member of the Model A Ford Club of America, Diablo Fly Fishermen, Concord Elks, and more. Jim had an eclectic curiosity, and was a lifelong learner through textbooks, community college classes, and the occasional extended visit to hardware stores and Home Depot. A funeral mass for Jim will be held at 10am on Tuesday January 14 at St. John Vianney Church, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Attendees are welcome to stay after the mass for fellowship and reminiscing. Donations may be made in his name to the University of San Francisco School of Law for ethics advancement in the judicial/ legal profession.