Thursday, July 16, 2020

James McCartney

The Faculty of Law extends condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of alumnus James "Jim" C. McCartney, Q.C. (LLB 1964).

Born on December 29,1937, Jim spent his early childhood in mining country in northern Ontario before moving to Toronto. A dedicated student, Jim graduated from the University of Toronto Schools (1956), University of Toronto (BComm 1960) and the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 1964.

Called to the Bar in 1966, Jim practiced with the firm of Daniel Harvey until that firm merged with McCarthy and McCarthy in 1973. In 1980, Jim spearheaded the process which would ultimately lead to the movement of the firm into the Alberta market. Jim subsequently served as National Chair and led efforts to centralize firm management and create McCarthy Tétrault, Canada's first nationwide law firm.

In retirement, Jim's dedication to the law was replaced by a renewed passion for painting, with a focus on subjects that reflected his great loves: family, fun, adventures and nature.

Jim was a man of great integrity, a mentor, a teacher and a leader. He is mourned by Helen, his be loved wife and life partner for 60 years; his children, Michael (Melissa), Tim (Kate) and Kate (Mike). 

Read the full Globe and Mail obituary

Read the McCarthy Tétrault tribute to James McCartney, Q.C., former partner