Born on Veteran’s Day in 1942, Jim grew up in Indianapolis, IN,before moving to Louisville, KY, where he attended Trinity Catholic High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served as a communications specialist during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Dominican Civil War. He then attended Evansville College (now the University of Evansville) on the GI bill and a football scholarship from 1964 to 1967,earning his A.B. in psychology, history, and political science.Jim was an exceptional athlete. He excelled in football at both Trinity and the University of Evansville, using these athletic gifts to further his education. After his ninth knee surgery and being told, “you cannot eat a football,”he enrolled in Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis, where he earned his law degree in 1971.
He began his legal practice in Washington, IN, in 1972. Jim was a distinguished trial lawyer who thrived in the competitive courtroom environment. He continued practicing law until the end, accompanied always by his valued paralegal and friend, Jackie Lee.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Kathy, and five children: Matt (JinHaeng), Kelley (Jens Ksander), Andrea (Maarten Bout), Clay (Brooke) and John (Aisha);and eleven adoring grandchildren: Henry Pendergast, Ingrid Pendergast, Hugo Bout, Cohen JamesHavill, Bodhi Ksander, Norah Havill, Damon Havill, Eve Bout, Camille Havill, Dominic Havill and James Matthew Havill. He was preceded in death by his mother Lorraine, father Charles, stepmother Jan, and brother Charles, Jr. He was deeply connected to his siblings and is survived by Joseph (Barbara), David (Denise), Rosemary (ThomBalbier), and Andrea (RonScaglione).
Those who knew him know he was the consummate athlete, competitor and professional – valuing determination, grit, and hard work above all. He loved sports, especially football, golf, baseball,and eventually soccer and found solace and strength throughout his life in the lessons sports taught. His competitive nature was matched only by his quick wit and unique sayings, many of which live on in conversations with family and friends. He loved his family above all and held them in the highest regard. He passed peacefully on August 28, 2015in the same way he started his last great competition in life – with Kathy at his side, all his children present, and an unbreakable spirit to keep fighting.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the DaviessCounty Community Foundation in honor of James F Havill. A visitation service will be held at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Washington on Tuesday, September 1 from 3:00 – 8:00 pm and funeral service on Wednesday, September 2 at 10:00 am.with Father Gordon Mann and Miss Yvonne Evans officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
