James Cannon Kearns

I worked as a secretary for Attorney James C. Kearns in the early eighties before I went back to the University. I hated the computers he had had installed in the office and informed him I was going to go back to the University because they didn´t have them. Talk about naïve! He, James Kearns, was innately kind, a humanitarian, and treated everyone as an equal. At that time, he was quite handsome with black hair and had a quick and alert mind. I remember he liked mathematical puzzles. My...

Jim was a great boss, storyteller, and generous lawyer, always helping others. He was a wonderful example as a lawyer and person.

I knew Jim professionally for about 30 years. I had several cases for the plaintiff that Jim defended and knew him in that capacity. I learned quickly in our relationship that he was very bright, diligent, ethical, and pleasant to work with. I recall a hearing and someone involved said something in court he probably wished that he had not....after the hearing, Jim and I left the courtroom and he uttered "remember the advice that Thumper's Mother gave to Thumper in Bambi, 'if you can't say...

I remember Jim as a friend, classmate, and the lawyer who used his knowledge, and experience to handle the "reunion" activities for the Class of '62. He kept all the business issues accounted for, and finally dispersed the remaining class funds for scholarships for upcoming students. Jim is being missed, but never forgotten. RIP my friend.

I did not know Jim well. He handled one legal matter for me that concluded the day before his passing. I found him to be an excellent legal advisor with a calm and encouraging demeanor. I am grateful to have met him.

I was privileged to be a law partner of Jim Kearns at Heyl Royster for 30 years. When I think of Jim, these words come to mind: integrity; fairness; dedication (to family, our firm, his clients, and the pursuit of excellence); very hard worker; and a great mentor--and example--for younger lawyers. Jim always tried to do the right thing, even though that might not have been the easiest or most popular position to take. Jim Kearns was a lawyer's lawyer--you couldn't ask for better legal...