Missouri Law Professor James R. Devine: 1948 - 2010

Friend Ryan Vacca passes along the sad news that Jim Devine (pictured), the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and David Ross Hardy Professor of Law and Trial Practice at the University of Missouri School of Law, has passed away.  Professor Devine's teaching and scholarship interests included the areas of civil procedure, professional responsibility, sports law, and trial practice.  Mizzou law dean Larry Dessem notes the passing here. 

Comments

[Art Hinshaw]

Mizzou will miss him in many ways, but particularly so this close to graduation. His familiar graduation role was to read off graduates' names before they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. He had the perfect radio voice for the task, and at the end he whipped the entire graduation crowd into a frenzy of joy. It made the event memorable to all who were there.

Condolences to his family and his extended family at the University of Missouri Law School.

[Steve Easton]

In the legal academic tradition of noting one's biases at the outset, I will start by admitting mine. I co-taught my first law school class with Jim Devine. When my turn came for that fun battle we call the tenure process, it was Jim Devine who led the charge in my defense. He even invited me to be a co-author of the third edition of his Professional Responsibility text. In a very real sense, I owe my acadmic career to him. Everybody should be so lucky as to have a mentor like him.

Beyond that, he was a hell of a guy. New Jersey born and bred, and proud of it. Almost always smiling. Upbeat, or at least steady, when things were tough. Loved students unconditionally and worked hard to help them in any way possible.

This is a sad day. The world needs more people like Jim Devine, not fewer. So does our little branch of the world--legal academia.

And Art is right. Nobody could liven up a graduation like Jim. He loved to start his reading of the graduates' names by noting that, while many august institutions urged those in attendance to refrain from applauding until all names were read, we wanted all who felt like it to whoop and holler their approval or amazement at their loved one's success. After he was done, he would have the graduate's parents stand, then their spouses, then their kids, then their aunts and uncles and cousins and friends, until everyone in the place was up and clapping. It was such a celebration. Nobody did law school commencement like Jim.

[Calvin Eleby, Jr]

Professor Devine:

I thank you for the time you devoted to my education at MU Law School. I appreciated the talks we had after class about the Amazing Mets, Brooklyn Dodgers and love of the LAW.

Thank you for your unselfishiness and wisdom. You will be a great law clerk to God: the heavenly courts awaits you. My prayers your family.

Calvin Eleby, Jr.,
Class of 1988

[Terry Harms]

Jim was the best advocate that students and swimmers had. He always made sure that the athlete or student came first and if there was an issue or disqualification that there was no doubt. Jim taught all who came in contact with him and as a fellow USA Swimming official there is going to be a great void on the pool deck along with his light hearted comments and stories. Jim you are and will always be a close friend and missed greatly. May your family take comfort in knowing that you are now with our Lord starting the best part of your life, the eternal life. May God Bless,

Terry Harms
USA Swimming Official and Friend

[Wes R. Porter]

I was fortunate enough to e-mail with Professor Devine several months ago and, during the exchange, he learned that I will be a new law professor next year. Professor Devine offered kind words, advice and encouragement, but it was his enthusiasm, passion and dedication to students after 30 years that was truly inspiring. I printed out the e-mails immediately. My condolences go out to the family and the MU law school community.

[Tamara Piety]

This is sad and terrible news! Jim was a wonderful colleague to me when I was a new law professor starting my career as a visitor at Mizzou in the summer. I will never forget his many acts of kindness to me. My condolences to his family and to the Mizzou community. he will surely be sorely missed!

[discount coach]

when you're down, and the world seems dark and empty, Your forever friend lifts you up in spirits and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full.