September 30, 2014
Chicago, IL – Butler Partner Jim Smith, passed away Monday, September 29, 2014. He was 54 years old.
Jim Smith joined Butler in 2010 and recently retired as a Brigadier General in the United States Air Force Reserve.
Throughout his legal career, Jim concentrated his practice in litigation, intellectual property matters and corporate counseling. Throughout his diverse practice, Jim’s analytical skills, keen perspective and tireless energy earned him universal praise from his colleagues, clients, opponents and judges. However, it was Jim’s ability to treat everyone with respect that made him the exceptional attorney and man that he was.
In addition to his successful legal career, Jim served our country with distinction for 32 years in the United States Air Force Reserve. Upon his retirement in the summer of 2014, Jim held the rank of Brigadier General. Most notably, Jim was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal, the country’s highest non-combat decoration, in precedence behind only the Air Force Cross and the Medal of Honor. He was a mobilization assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Jim graduated from the University of Virginia in 1982 with honors and Notre Dame Law School in 1989.
Jim was a dedicated husband to Jenny (23 years), devoted father of three (Luke, 17; Matt, 11; and Joe, 10), loyal friend and the consummate patriot.
Doug Berry, Partner of Butler stated, “I will miss him as will all whose lives he impacted.”