Court of Criminal Appeals Judge J.C. McLin Dies At 64

Sunday, September 04, 2011
Judge J.C. McLin
Judge J.C. McLin

Court of Criminal Appeals Judge J.C. McLin of Memphis died early Saturday morning after losing his battle with
pancreatic cancer. He was 64.

He 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, Judge McLin served as a Shelby County criminal court judge.

Prior to taking the bench, Judge 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.

He 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.

Judge McLin is survived by his wife, Mollie; his three children, Monette,
Jason and Thebe; his mother, Louise McLin; and his two older sisters,
Shirley Drake and Patsy Smith.

A memorial service will be held on Friday at from 7-8 p.m. at New Salem Church at 2237 South Parkway in Memphis.

Judge McLin will lie in state on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at Peabody High School at 2069 Highway 45 in Trenton, Tn. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m.


County Says Unincorporated Voters Would Have To Approve Distilleries

The Legislature passed a bill to allow distilleries in Hamilton County, but due to action by the County Commission on Wednesday it does not apply to the unincorporated areas. Commissioner Jim Fields said voters in those areas could vote to opt in for distilleries. However, distilleries would not be allowed out in the county until there is such a vote. The bill was passed ... (click for more)

County Officials Say They Are Getting Out The Word About New Insurance Plan

County officials told members of the County Commission on Wednesday they are getting out the word about a new county nsurance plan that is not so "Cadillac" as before. All county employees will go on a single plan that will have the employee paying 20 percent on more serious medical issues other than regular doctor visits. Leslie Longshore said she and other staffers have ... (click for more)

Our Criminal Justice System Is Broken

Today’s news that after a man was shot while coming to the aid of a friend, four were arrested (including two 13-year-olds) for robbery and attempted murder, followed by additional news that one of those arrested had previously pled guilty to aggravated burglary and was given a three-year suspended sentence, is further indication that our system of criminal justice is absolutely ... (click for more)

Roy Exum: On Being Ugly: The New Cool

In a recent issue of Sports Illustrated, two full pages were devoted to mug shots of the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks. The two hockey teams are now playing in the finals for the Stanley Cup and every single player on either page looked like a terrorist. Not one was without ratty hair and scruffy beards ruled the day. On another page was an advertisement for some cologne ... (click for more)

Tennessee Beats Georgia, 5-4, In Stump On Sports Baseball Classic

The 12 th Stump on Sports Tennessee-Georgia Baseball Classic was dominated by strong pitching and Wednesday’s game at Ridgeland High’s Jay Smith Field came down to a one-on-one duel between hard-throwing right-hander Colton Jumper and slugger Bryce Bailey. Jumper got the edge, striking out Bailey for the game’s final out and Tennessee strolled away with a 5-4 victory, its ... (click for more)

Unbeaten Country Club Swimmers Still Leading White Division

The Country Club Wavemakers have been a dominant force in the Chattanooga Area Swim League in years past when they were associated with Shepherd Hills. That was back about 30 or more years ago when they always had some incredible dual meets with the Cumberland Youth Foundation. Times have changed since those glory days, but coach Stan Corcoran is working hard to ... (click for more)