James Everitt Baine passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2024 following a short illness.
James was a retired attorney and tree farmer who will be remembered by his family for walks in the woods and cheering on the Ole Miss rebels and other favored ball teams.
He is preceded in death by his parents Dr. Rodney M. Baine and Aline Everitt Baine, brother Wade, and his first wife Edith Turley Baine. James leaves to mourn him his wife Charlotte, son John(Jennifer), step children Kelly (Ricky) Roper of Hermitage, AR, Angie (Dan) Cox of Lowell, AR, Henry Frisby II of El Dorado, AR, Trip (Danielle) Frisby of ElDorado, AR, his sister Alice (Farrell) Brenner of Austin, TX, brothers William (Jenny) and Mark (Shannon) Baine of Athens, GA, sister-in-law Meg Baine of GulfPort, MS, as well as a four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Mr. Baine’s legal career spanned almost 50 years, graduating from University of Mississippi School of Law in 1968. After law school, he was an Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Southern Mississippi before practicing law in Raymond, MS. In 1970, he joined the law department at Murphy Oil Corporation in El Dorado, Arkansas where he became the General Attorney of the Company. In addition he served as Assistant Secretary of the Murphy Oil Corporation and various subsidiaries. For twenty five years, he was Counsel and Secretary of Deltic Farm and Timber Co, Inc. and served a number of years as Director of Great River Grain.
His past professional affiliations and activities include being a Special Associate Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Courts, serving on the Public Affairs Committee of the Southern Forest Products Association, Governmental Relations Committee of the National Forest Products Association, Chancellor of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity International, Chairman of the Employment and Labor Committee of the Association of Corporate Counsel, Chairman of the subcommittee on Environmental, Health and Safety Law of the American Petroleum Institute, and President of the American Petroleum Labor Lawyers Association. He was a member of the American, Arkansas, and Mississippi Bar Associations, Forest Landowners Association, and Arkansas Forestry Association. He was a fellow of the Arkansas Bar Foundation, and President of Delta Theta Phi Foundation. He recently received a recognition from Delta Theta Phi for his 50 years of service.
James’ community involvement included serving as a Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church as well as member of the pastor nominating board. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the YWCA, District Vice President of the Arkansas Jaycees, Justice of the Peace on the Union County Quorum Court, Commissioner on the Union County Board of Election Commissioners, State Committeeman of the Union County Republican Committee, Chairman of the Workforce Investment Board of Southwest Arkansas, Southwest Arkansas Workforce Development Board, a director of South Arkansas Community College Foundation Board, and University of Georgia, Graduate Education Advancement Board.
James’ generous spirit impacted a numerous people and organizations including Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, National Multiple Sclerosis Society; lecture series and scholarships at universities and colleges; ministries and outreach programs such as the Open Hearts Ministry and One More Child that promoted the love of Jesus; as well as community organizations such as South Arkansas Children’s Coalition and UCAPS.
James Everitt Baine will be remembered for his legal acumen, dedication to community service, and generous spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him and benefited from his kindness and leadership.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers please donate to the organization of your choice.
Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 pm Monday, July 8, 2024 at the First Baptist Church. A memorial service will immediately follow with Rev. Brian Trostole officiating.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Baine family.
