James “Jim” Duvall, age 85, of Worthington, Ohio died peacefully on January 9, 2024 in Powell, Ohio. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as three brothers and one sister. He is survived by his loving wife and daughter. He is also survived by his elder sister and many nieces and nephews for whom he cared deeply.
Jim was born in Bellaire, Ohio on July 20, 1938. He graduated from Bellaire High School class of 1956. In school he was a part of Alpha Hi-Y, the High School Marching Band as a Clarinet player, the Beljuan Yearbook Staff and was a Senior Scholar. After graduation, he matriculated at Ohio University where he majored in History and English. Paying his own way, many times being enrolled simultaneously in three different colleges and universities, he graduated early with an A.B. from Ohio University in 1959, then from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio with an LL.B. in 1963. He then completed his formal education with his receipt of a J.D. from Capital University in 1966.
Over a four-year time period, from 1966 through 1970, Jim served with his brother Richard in the U.S. Army Reserves. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1970. He also was active in politics for several years which culminated in a run for Ohio State Representative, 59th District. While he did not win the seat, he enjoyed and benefitted from the experience.
Following law school, Jim worked as an insurance adjuster in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and as an adjunct instructor in Columbus, Ohio.
In 1965, Jim was hired by Judge Ralph W. Sanborn to work as a lawyer representing clients in the transportation industry. For the next 45 years, Jim worked for and eventually owned what is now Sanborn, Brandon, Duvall & Bobbitt Co., L.P.A. Zealous representation of his clients in the transportation industry was his clear calling and life’s passion. He represented his clients with honesty, integrity, loyalty and intelligence. He worked methodically, patiently and with tireless devotion to his clients and their needs. He thrived on the strategy and problem solving required by the practice of law. There was never any doubt about whose side Jim was on! He had the honor of arguing on behalf of his clients in front of the Ohio Supreme Court 18 times. For him, arguing about issues in the legal arena provided him with the spark that ignited his life.
Jim mentored many young people informally through relationships and formally through employment at his law firm. He enjoyed learning about his and his wife’s genealogies and collecting Imperial Glass from his hometown. He was a lifelong and active member of the Disciples of Christ denomination, most recently at St. Andrew Christian Church Disciples of Christ where he served on the church Board, as Elder and as Deacon.
Jim was a family man who cared about, loved and supported his wife and daughter in all of their endeavors. He was humble, generous, a good listener and kind. He had a great sense of humor. He could relate easily and well with people from all walks of life. He was a champion of the underdog. We love and miss him very much. Jim will live forever with us in our hearts.
We are very grateful for the caring support, education and service provided by the Ganzhorn Suites, the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter and Capital City Hospice. Our journey in the last year and a half of Jim’s life would have been very different without the guidance and assistance of these organizations. We are also very thankful for the love and support provided by Jim’s family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew Christian Church Disciples of Christ (www.SaintAndrewDoC.org), 1985 Swansford Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43016, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Ohio Chapter, (www.alz.org), (614) 457-6003.
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