Old-Fashioned Values and a Competitive Edge
The values I bring to my law practice — hard work, client service and giving back to the community — may be old-fashioned, but they are not outmoded. They come from my experience with youth fellowship at Christ United Methodist Church when I was growing up here in West Virginia. They come from Cub Scouts and 4-H, and from our excellent public school system. Later on, my values were shaped by the Linsly Military Institute, where I attended 8th through 12th grades.
I graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon with a B.A. in government and history. I received my law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law. After law school, I served four years in the U.S. Air Force Jag Corps, where I earned the Air Force Commendation Medal.
After attending the Skip Barber Racing School in Connecticut, I raced for two seasons with the Sports Car Club of America, finishing second in my class the second year. I've got the competitive and strategic nature required for success in both auto racing and the practice of law.
During the 1990s, I was the recipient of the West Virginia Trial Lawyer Association's (now West Virginia Association of Justice) Member of the Year and President's awards. I have also served as president of the Upshur County Bar Association.
A Life of Learning and Service
I come from a family whose members tend to work beyond regular retirement age. So far, I "feel" young and vigorous and plan to follow their lead. Each year, I try to attend several times the hours of continuing legal education required by the West Virginia State Bar. I get a kick out of lawyers scrambling at the last minute to complete their requirements or attending a seminar in an area of law they do not even practice just because it was connected to a West Virginia University football game. I have never stopped learning and never intend to.
In my hometown of Buckhannon, I coached youth soccer for 17 years. I have also served as president of the Upshur County Senior Center, chaired the United Way campaign and sat on the board of the Upshur County Family Resources Center. I was a member of the Buckhannon Rotary Club and the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce. I enjoy singing in the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church choir.
When I'm not working or involved in community activities, I enjoy flat water kayaking on the Cheat River. I'm making a return trip to the Skip Barber Racing School. And I've taken up Irish Road Bowling. I'm a founding father of the West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association, Inc.
I met my wife, Nancy Goodfellow, at West Virginia Wesleyan College, and we were married in 1969. We have four children: John, Christopher, Justin and Laura. We also have three beautiful grandchildren: Anna, Jack and Lucille.
If you have questions about how I can serve you, call 304-460-1124 or fill out the contact form on this Web site. I offer a free initial attorney consultation.
