James August Readey

James August Readey, age 78, of Upper Arlington, Ohio passed away Friday, August 11, 2023. Jim was born November 26, 1944 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Jack (John) and Ida Mae Readey. He graduated from Fairmont West High School in Kettering, Ohio in 1963 as a member of the state champion golf team, and he graduated from Depauw University in 1967, where he was a member of the basketball team and the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Jim spent a long and distinguished career in law, mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. After graduating from the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University in 1970, he practiced law at Knepper, White, Richards, and Miller (later Knepper, White, Arter, and Hadden), then at Bricker and Eckler, then as James Readey, Mediator, and then at Readey and Patterson with his beloved friend David Patterson. Jim was the President of the Columbus Bar Association in 1985 and was instrumental in bringing Alternative Dispute Resolution to the forefront at the time. Later he became President of the International Academy of Mediators. Jim worked with other lawyers who recognized the value of mediation for landlord tenant and neighborhood disputes to create Community Mediation Services, which became a pioneer in training lawyers and other professionals in the art of mediation. Jim was also instrumental in shaping the Bar Foundation, both as President of the CBA and then as President of the Foundation, and he was an Editor of BarBriefs (now known as Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly). In 2018, Jim was awarded the Columbus Bar Association’s Bar Service Medal, “in honor of his extraordinary service to the bar and legal community.” In addition to his devotion to the law and to his clients as a man of true integrity, Jim was a passionate player and fan of golf, tennis, and basketball. He was also a wonderful singer, joyfully taking the high falsetto parts in the acoustic trio in which he sang with his dear friends James (JT) Thompson and his twin brother Jack Readey from high school throughout his life. They sang oldies hits in front of family and friends and at their children’s weddings. Jim was the soul of his family, who loved him dearly; the kindest, warmest, and funniest father possible; and a devoted friend to so many close communities in Upper Arlington, Columbus, Dayton, and elsewhere. Jim was an amazing role model, the epitome of generosity, loving kindness, and integrity, and he was a hero to his wife, sons, and those who knew him. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his deeply adored wife of 48 years, Linda Gold Readey; his brother, Jack Readey, and his brothers-in-law, John Gold and Maury Hanes. Jim is survived by his sister, Jennie Readey, and sisters-in-law, Joanne Gold, Margaret Hanes, and Claire Readey; his two children, Jay (Lisa) and Jonathan; his grandchildren, Chad McGill Readey, Evelyn Rennix-Readey, and Oliver Rennix-Readey; and many wonderful extended family members and close friends. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the South Campus of First Community Church in Grandview, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43212, followed by a reception and a dinner/repast for anyone interested. In lieu of flowers, for those who choose to do so, people may donate to Jim’s preferred charity, the Columbus Bar Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.