James Franklin Rill

James Franklin “Jim” Rill ,92 passed away joining his wife of 60 years, Mary Elizabeth Laws “Betsy” Rill on November 21,2025, leaving behind a legacy of intellect, integrity, humor and a deep love for his family and friends.

Born in Evanston, Jim was the son of John Columbus Rill and Frances Eleamor Rill. He grew up in Illinois and Philadelphia before moving to Washington DC, where he graduated from St. Albans HS. He received a bachelor’s degree from Darthmouth College in 1954, then spent 2 years in the army before marrying the love of his life, Betsy.

Big Jim, as he is known to many, was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his two sons, Jimmy (Mary), Derick, (Carolyn), four grandchildren, Jake, Mack, Stephen (Kim) and Colin. He was preceded in death by Betsy (2017) and their grandson Bennett (2013). He loved his family deeply and was a constant supporter of his son’s, and grandson’s athletic and academic ventures, attending all their HS and College games. He adored all his pets, most recently his dog, Tawny.

Jim was an avid reader, it was rare to see him without a book, newspaper or legal pad in his lap. He was a history fanatic to the hilt– particularly Civil War history. One of the great passions in his life was to visit battlefields with his fellow history buffs, and he loved to challenge many a tour guide on the technicalities of the battles at hand.

He was a devoted sports enthusiast, a huge fan of the local teams, including the Redskins/Commanders, the Bullets/Wizards and especially the Nats. At various points during his life, he had season tickets – most recently last season for Nats’ games. As always, he’d secure four seats to share with his friends, family and colleagues from all walks of life.

Jim was known for his incredible intellect. Anywhere, anytime, he could bewilder on sports (especially baseball), world history (especially Civil War), politics and more. The depth of his knowledge was legendary.

He also loved to travel. He took his wife and his kids on many wonderful trips, including family vacations to Bermuda, Scotland, Italy, and France. He also visited Egypt, Russia, Belgium, Japan, the Czech Republic and countless others. Of all his worldly travel – both professional and personal - he pointed to a trip to Scotland with his wife, sons and daughters-in-law as his favorite, having toured the Edinburgh Castle, the Highlands, the Bannockburn battlefield, and a golf outing that included crossing the famous bridge on at the Old Course in Saint Andrews.

On a professional front, Jim thrived in his work as a ‘world renown’ antitrust lawyer, helping lead, Collier, Shannon, Rill and Scott before landing at Baker Botts, his death preceded his full retirement. He served under George H.W. Bush as Attorney General in charge of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, insisting that his sons call him, “General Rill’. He also served as Co-Chair of the International Competition Policy Advisory Committee, and Chair of the ABA Antitrust Section as well as many other prestigious positions. He helped shape major competition policies in the U.S. and abroad and was honored many times for his contributions to the field. Some of his most cherished awards were, being awarded with John Sherman Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2012 and having the DOJ provide an honors program fellowship under his name in 2017. Throughout his 65-year-career, he loved his work, his many clients and colleagues, and he took a keen interest in mentoring young law talent doing everything he could to give advice, make connections, and assist in advancing their careers.

Jim leaves behind a family who adored him, colleagues, friends, neighbors, and a large extended family who admired him deeply. He was a man of great kindness, loyalty, and intellect — qualities that shaped the people and the world around him. He lived a great life. He was loved and will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 10:00 AM at the St. Albans Episcopal Church, 3001 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.