In Loving Memory, James L. Magee (1934 - 2008)
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we say goodbye to our dear friend, colleague, partner, and confidante, James L. Magee. Jim died Friday morning at his home in Bellevue after battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma for nearly three years. Jim was 74 years old. Jim is survived by his wife, Rose, sons, Andy and David, and daughter, Elizabeth Andrews.
Jim was born in Racine, Wisconsin on September 11, 1934. After receiving his B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1956, Jim served as an Air Force pilot. He then proceeded to Harvard Law School and graduated with his J.D. in 1962. Jim was admitted to the Washington State Bar that same year.
Jim practiced law for over 46 years. He was amongst Graham & Dunn’s longest tenured and most respected attorneys and was an integral member of the firm’s litigation group since 1985. He tried civil and criminal cases in virtually every area of the law and was a prominent figure in an antitrust jury case involving the salmon industry that made national headlines. In addition to his trial work, Jim also handled international commercial and trade regulation matters.
Jim was a member of numerous professional and community organizations throughout his career. He most recently served as Fellow and Chair on the Professionalism Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers and as Fellow to the International Society of Barristers. For four years he was a Lawyer-Delegate to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. He was also a member of the American, King County, and Washington State Bar Associations.
Jim will be missed by all who knew him. He was a compassionate, loyal, and dedicated individual and a good partner. With Jim’s death we have lost someone we all hold dear.
A lifelong Episcopalian, Jim served four terms as Senior Warden of St. Thomas Episcopal Church where his funeral will be held at 4pm on Wednesday, October 29, 2008. Address: Corner of 84th Ave NE and NE 12th Street, Medina, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his memory to the Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Kaplan Research Fund, 747 Broadway, Seattle WA 98122; or to a charity of your choice.
Directions to St. Thomas Episcopal Church
From Seattle
From Rte. 520
Drive east on 520, take first exit, turn right onto 84th Ave NE. Get in center lane. Continue south until you reach NE 12th St. Church on your right at this corner.
From I90
Drive east on I90. take Bellevue Way exit.
Continue north on Bellevue Way, turn left on Main St.
Continue on Main St. which will become NE Lake Wash. Blvd. This road will curve and end at NE 1st Street. Turn left; NE 1st will become NE 12th St. Continue until you reach 84th Ave NE. Church on far right corner.
Remembrances
Ed Pettigrew, friend and colleague: "Jim was an excellent trial lawyers known and respected both nationally and internationally. He loved the law, lawyers, and his profession. He often stopped by the offices of many of us to discuss his cases, the court rules, new appellate decisions, and other legal matters. His door was always open for younger lawyers to consult with him on any issue.
I was often asked by attorneys I knew or had met 'how is Jim Magee?' or 'give him my best' or 'please say hello.' His passing resulted in many phone calls and e-mails from other attorneys to our firm and our partners expressing condolences and just reminiscing about experiences they had had over the years with Jim. He was dearly regarded by a great number of people.
Jim also was very dedicated to his wife, Rose, and their children and grandchildren. He would beam when he introduced one of them to us. We will miss Jim a great deal."
