Jim Courtney was born in Somerset, Pennsylvania. During his high school years, he kept himself busy with a variety of Class A Division sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, and track, all of which he lettered in. Alongside sports, Jim acted in the senior play, played trombone in the band and was a member of the National Honor Society. His pursuit of knowledge continued at Colgate University in New York and then at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.Following his legal studies, Jim served his country as a special agent in the U.S. Army’s Counterintelligence Corps in Washington, D.C. His dedication to education persisted, earning him a Rhodes Scholar nomination and a full scholarship for summer studies at Oxford. After serving in the Army and receiving higher education, Jim worked as a civil lawyer for 50 years in Somerset, Pennsylvania. He represented many cases, one such being a case where nine miners were trapped underground for 3 whole days.

Jim met his wife after his time at Oxford. His sister was attending the University of North Carolina, and she introduced Jim to her roommate, who became Jim’s wife of 31 years. Together, they raised three sons: two followed in their father’s footsteps as lawyers, and one pursued a career as a pediatrician. Jim moved to Oregon to be present for the birth of his grandchildren, before eventually moving to Johnson City.

Jim’s commitment to his community was unwavering. He served as president of the Library Board, on the Pennsylvania State Board of the American Cancer Society and as president of the YMCA. He was also editor of the Somerset Legal Journal, a member of the House of Delegates for the Pennsylvania Bar Association and a board member of Holiday Inn.

Outside of being an outstanding member of civil society, Jim loved to play golf and travel. Jim has been to all 7 continents!

Jim is a fun and interesting resident at Everlan of Johnson City. He is involved in in the Movie Club, plays cornhole, exercises on the tread mill, participates in Roan Scholar discussions and always joins in for trivia. Jim has been a wonderful addition to the Everlan community, and we enjoy all the knowledge and fun he brings to the table.