A former State House member and retired Circuit Judge in Mobile, James C. “Jim” Wood, died Friday, May 16.
His daughter Lucy Wood Foley made this post on her Facebook page:
A great man has left us. My father, Jim Wood, passed away yesterday morning, and the world feels like a dimmer place without him in it. He was remarkable in so many ways—a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a true friend to many. His sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to justice defined a distinguished career as a lawyer and judge, marked by a lifetime of public service. He touched countless lives with his wisdom, kindness, integrity and humor. We will miss him deeply—his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Wood was elected state representative from Mobile County at an unusually young age, in his 20s. While serving and afterward, he practiced law with Otto Simon, eventually being joined by Randy Crane to form Simon, Wood and Crane.
In 1999, the governor appointed Wood Circuit Judge of Mobile County. He was elected in his own right and served until January 10, 2013.
While on the bench, Judge Wood handled some high-profile cases. Those included litigation by the children and the first wife of deceased coffee magnate LeRoy Hill. They were in extended litigation with Hill’s second wife over control of the Hill & Brooks coffee company and a missing settlement agreement.
Judge Wood was well-known for adding common sense to his conduct of court and to his decisions.
After leaving the bench, Wood served as the named plaintiff in a case against the Retirement Systems of Alabama and the state. He sought to represent all judges in claiming that a substantial increase in the RSA deductions from their paychecks amounted to a diminution of their salaries in violation of the Constitution. He lost the case in Montgomery County Circuit Court and the Alabama Supreme Court.
In the 1960s and 1970s, a wave of young political candidates and their supporters in Mobile were called “the Young Turks.” They were inspired by the young success of State Rep. Jim Wood, who was slightly younger and slightly before the Young Turks. The Young Turks elected a number of local officeholders in Mobile City and County.
Services will be held Saturday, May 31, at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street in Mobile. Visitation is at 10 a.m. The funeral is at 11 a.m.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is colorful and positive about Alabama — its people, places, events, groups, and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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