James (jim) Cohen

He grew up in New York City and graduated from Dartmouth College, where he majored in philosophy, and from NYU Law School. He was a founding partner of Kleinberg, Kaplan, Wolff & Cohen, a Manhattan law firm that carries forward his legacy today. Jim practiced law with integrity for more than 40 years.

Jim was a passionate lover of culture, and particularly of music. He attended the High School of Music & Art and had a lifelong love of singing and writing songs. When his children were young, he would go into their rooms at night with his guitar and sing Pete Seeger and Simon & Garfunkel songs as lullabies. After retiring from the law, he devoted much of his time to songwriting, ultimately culminating in the Off-Broadway production of Soldier’s Song, a compilation of his music.

Jim was funny, thoughtful, and genuinely kind. He was a gentleman, and he didn’t have an enemy in the world. He remained intellectually curious throughout his life; dinner with Jim was often a spirited discussion about politics, business, or whatever was happening in the world. He played tennis for decades and loved traveling with Joanne. And generations of little kids were delighted by one of his favorite tricks: cupping his hands together and somehow producing the unmistakable sound of a train whistle.

Most importantly, Jim was a family man. He was a devoted father and grandfather, a steady and loving presence who cared deeply about his family. He was a peacemaker by nature, always looking for common ground and never holding onto anger.

At the center of Jim’s life was the love he shared with Joanne, his wife of 61 years. They met on Fire Island during an eclipse of the sun. He loved her completely. He cherished her, respected her, and defended her through all the seasons of their beautiful life together.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne; his children, Terri and Brett; his grandchildren, Jacob, Gabriel, Ben, Josh, Hannah, and Micah; and his niece, Michelle, and nephew, Bill, along with their kids David, Lea, Katey, Jack, and Brad.

Shiva will be observed at Brett Cohen’s home in Westport, Ct.