Class of 1960
Jerry Martin died peacefully at home February 3, 2009, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born June 18, 1933 in Crossett, Arkansas. Jerry attended Memphis State University and after graduation entered the Air Force, where he served as a first lieutenant, eventually earning the rank of captain and becoming a navigation school instructor. Encouraged by a former professor, he then entered Vanderbilt Law School, where he was selected for the Vanderbilt Law Review. In 1960, he started a general law practice in Memphis, where he spent a long, successful career representing his clients with his trademark style of engaging professionalism until just a few months before his death and achieved Martindale-Hubbell's Preeminent Rating for attorneys. Always a leader chosen by his peers, Jerry was vice president of his college fraternity, elected president of his law school fraternity, president of the Memphis Junior Bar Association and president of the University Club. He excelled at anything athletic beginning with his first love, high school football, followed by tennis and golf. His competitive tenacity was evidenced both in his pursuit of the game and in his struggle against cancer. Ultimately, however, Jerry's defining characteristics were his love for and his loyalty to his family and friends. Jerry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carolyn; his three children, Jerry Martin Jr. and Lee Rantzow of Memphis and Kevin Ogilby of Gainesville, Florida, and six grandchildren. Jerry's last two years were enhanced by the compassionate care of his law partner and Vanderbilt classmate, Don Pemberton. Posted 4-8-09.
Dan Coffman has joined Holland & Knight's Jacksonville office as Of Counsel in the firm's national Labor, Employment and Benefits Practice Group. Prior to joining the firm, he was a founding partner at Coffman, Coleman, Andrews & Grogan in Jacksonville. Coffman's experience includes defending employers in wage and hour action, employment discrimination and wrongful termination litigation matters. He has particular expertise in counseling private and public sector employers involving union avoidance, strikes and supervisory training to assist in remaining union-free. In addition, he counsels employers on matters involving wage and hour law compliance, terminations, leave requests, disabilities, occupational safety and health issues. Posted 7-7-08
We welcome you to submit your class note online, e-mail Grace Renshaw or call 615-322-2606. Please check the "Alumni MIA" list to see if you can help us find any of your "lost" classmates!
