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James Fahey Obituary
James (Jim) Michael Fahey died peacefully on January 5, 2008, at Stanford, CA, following major surgery.
Jim was born in Palo Alto, CA, on March 23, 1953. He earned his BA in history from UC Davis, and went on to earn his law degree from McGeorge University in 1984. Practicing as a California appellate attorney for twenty-three years, Jim’s legal contributions were far-reaching and significant. His many momentous legal victories included the 1996 release of an innocent young man who had been imprisoned for life, following wrongful prosecution in a trial where racism was evident. Then, later that year, Jim’s work firmly established Battered Women’s Syndrome as a viable legal defense when his impassioned appeal of the People versus Humphrey reached California’s Supreme Court. These profoundly influential rulings were among Jim’s proudest accomplishments in life. Committed to upholding the legal rights of disenfranchised clients, Jim served numerous fellow citizens on death row with the utmost effort and integrity.
Jim was an avid bridge player, and knew more about baseball and the Beatles than anyone his friends and family had ever encountered. He cared deeply for those he loved, and was well-loved in return.
Jim’s surviving family includes his sister, Sherry Fahey of Novato, and her children Jake and Danny; and sister, Cindy Firenzi of Santa Cruz, and her children Tara and Brian. He was predeceased by his parents, Marie and Frank Fahey.
No memorial service is planned. Friends who would like to contribute to a book of remembrances are encouraged to contact the family at [email protected].
Memorial contributions may be made to either of two charitable trusts that Jim arranged in the event of his death: the JIM FAHEY SAFE HOMES FUND FOR WOMEN (administered through UC Berkeley), and the JIM FAHEY SAFE HOMES FUND FOR CHILDREN (administered through UCSF). For more information on how to contribute, please write to the email address listed above.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Fahey
5 Entries
Zeta Wipf
January 29, 2008
Jim - I was so saddened to hear of your passing. I will miss our conversations. Although our spiritual and other beliefs differed, we remained friends. Good-bye my friend. Rest in peace.
John Chernoff
January 24, 2008
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I will always remember his kindness and unflagging enthusiasm for music and the arts in Humboldt County. The legal profession, the world of bridge, and all of Humboldt has lost one of its brightest, most interesting, and most decent of men.
Debbie Jernigan
January 23, 2008
I will truly miss Jim. I played Bridge with him and he definitely gave me confidence and helped me become a better player. We were worlds apart in our beliefs and our politics, but we loved playing Bridge together. Good-Bye Jim, I will always hold a special place for you in my heart!!!!
January 21, 2008
We got to know Jim through our Bridge Club here in Eureka and he was a truly nice and fair person. We will miss him.
In sympathy
Louie & Mary Rovai
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Carolyn Lancaster
January 19, 2008
Oh Jim, THe world has lost a great person im you. I have such wonderful memories of our times. You always have been a special person in my life and truly one of my best friends. Rest in peace love
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