James Levin

James Levin, 88, died peacefully on September 22, 2016, after fighting pancreatic cancer.

Jim was the son of Louis and Zelda Levin and grew up in Williamsburg – where he developed a strong work ethic and empathy for others.

He had many life-long friends from his days at Williamsburg High School from which he graduated in 1946 and where in 2000 he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

Jim received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky in 1950 where he was a member of ZBT Fraternity.  After beginning law school Jim was called to serve his country during the Korean War and did so in the Army as a First Lieutenant.

He then returned to the University of Kentucky, where he married Deborah Rosenbaum and obtained his law degree, with honors.  Jim was a member of the Kentucky Law Journal and Order of the Coif.  His attendance at the University solidified his life-long love of UK sports.

Beginning in 1956 Jim served as Assistant Solicitor for the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C.  Jim and Debbie moved to Louisville in 1958 where Jim began his private law practice.  He loved the law more than almost anything besides his family.  He was a general practitioner; a rarity in the modern era.  He treated his clients like family, and fought vigorously for their causes – large or small.  Perhaps his greatest honor was serving as a Special Justice on the Kentucky Supreme Court when his friend, Justice Charles Leibson, was unable to serve.  He authored opinions for the Court, as well as in dissent of the majority.  Jim’s journalism degree served him well during that period and the rest of his legal career.  Jim was a member of the American, Kentucky and Louisville Bar Associations, as well as the Kentucky Justice Association.

Jim married Dr. Linda Lucas in 1998.  Happily, they both worked hard and enjoyed each other’s and their family’s company.  They enjoyed travel on professional business for Jim’s law practice and Linda’s anesthesiology practice, as well as time with friends and family.  They enjoyed UK sporting events and their second home in Florida.  Jim and Linda were each very proud of their children and grandchildren.

Jim was predeceased by Debbie in 1993 and by his brother, Isadore Levin.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, and his children and step-children, ZoeAnn Yussman (Jeff), Dr. Neil Levin (Traci), Gary Levin (Laura), Karen Butler, Dr. Robert Lucas (Heather) and Dr. Scott Lucas (Julie); as well as 16 grandchildren; his sisters, Esther Yussman and Betty Spivak (Al); and his legal assistant, office manager and friend of 33 years, Brenda Royalty.

Funeral services were held Sunday, September 25th at Keneseth Israel Congregation.

Burial followed in the Keneseth Israel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Kentucky Bar Foundation, 514 W. Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Keneseth Israel, or the charity of one’s choice.