James Cannon Kearns

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University of Illinois University of Notre Dame

James Kearns Obituary

CHAMPAIGN - Longtime Champaign resident James Cannon Kearns, 79, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Jim attended Holy Cross School and Champaign High School (Class of 1962). He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1966 and served in the U.S. Army in Germany and Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. He received his J.D. from the University of Illinois in 1975.

Jim spent the entirety of his legal career with Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen. He retired as managing partner of the firm's Urbana office in 2010, but continued to handle select cases for the firm in an "of counsel" capacity until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Shapland Kearns of Champaign; and two children, Sarah Rose Kearns of New York, N.Y., and John Shapland Kearns of Melbourne, Australia. He is also survived by two sisters, Anne Kearns Lyons of Boulder, Colo., and Rosemary Kearns Wakefield of Vancouver, Canada; his sister-in-law, Jane Grothaus Kearns (wife of his late brother, John Thomas Kearns) of Buffalo, N.Y.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is deeply missed.

Further details and plans for a memorial service are to be announced at a later date.

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

Published by The News-Gazette on Oct. 22, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kearns

6 Entries

Bonnie B Langhaar

November 1, 2025

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 father, Henry Langhaar, who had a doctorate in mathematics, enjoyed a problem about monkeys with which he liked to tease people. I gave it to Mr. Kearns. He put his law problems aside and spent quite a bit of time that morning working on solving it, which he did. I was impressed.
I always will remember James Kearns, for whom I very briefly worked. Once, I was ten minutes late to the office, and he scolded me. I immediately burst into tears because I admired him so much and regretted having disappointed him. I could tell he was sympathetic and let the incident go. I´m so very sorry to have learned he is no longer with us. He was a very special man indeed!

Elaine Massock

March 29, 2025

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

M. John Hefner

October 30, 2024

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 nothing nice, don't say anything at all' " Jim certainly lived that expression..an excellent lawyer by any and every measure.

Robert "DUKE" Shelton

October 28, 2024

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.

Todd

October 28, 2024

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.

Bob Dewey

October 22, 2024

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 representation. And, of course, he was also a great guy--I don't know of anyone who didn't like and respect Jim. He will be missed, certainly by our firm, but also by the Central Illinois legal community.

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