Nashville, Tenn. – Court of Criminal Appeals Judge J.C. McLin of Memphis, Tenn., died early Saturday morning after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 64.
McLin was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2004, making him the second African American to ever hold a seat on that bench. From 2000 to 2004, McLin served as a Shelby County criminal court judge.
Prior to taking the bench, McLin worked in private practice for nine years and served as an assistant district attorney in Shelby County for 15 years. He also worked at Memphis Area Legal Services for a year.
McLin earned his bachelor’s degree at Lane College, his Master of Education at University of Tennessee at Martin and his law degree at the University of Tennessee.
“J.C. was the nicest, kindest gentleman I have known,” said Judge Joseph M. Tipton, presiding judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals. “I will dearly miss his even-handed and wise resolution of the work of the court. He was a joy to work with, and the justice system has lost a valuable servant of the people.”
“As required by the Book of Micah, Judge J.C. McLin at all times acted justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with our God,” said Supreme Court Justice Gary R. Wade, who was presiding judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals during McLin’s tenure. “This good man devoted his life to his Lord and Savior, his precious family, and his honored profession. I and so many others will sorely miss our dear friend and colleague, but the greater loss is to his community, the state, and the criminal justice system."
“Our judicial family is deeply saddened by the loss of Judge McLin,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice Cornelia A. Clark. “He was a kind man, dedicated jurist and dear friend. He served the Court with great integrity and dignity and we will miss him dearly.”
The Tennessee Judicial Conference Foundation has established a scholarship in honor of Judge McLin. Contributions may be made to the Tennessee Judicial Conference Foundation Judge J.C. McLin Memorial Fund and sent to Suzanne Keith at 1903 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203.
McLin is survived by his wife, Mollie; his three children, Monette, Jason and Phebe; his mother, Louise McLin; and his two older sisters, Shirley Drake and Patsy Smith.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 9, at from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at New Salem Church at 2237 South Parkway in Memphis, Tenn. McLin will lie in state on Saturday, September 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at Peabody High School at 2069 Highway 45 in Trenton, Tenn. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m.
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