Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Retired Chief Justice James Dolliver Dies at 80

Retired Chief Justice James Dolliver Dies at Age 80

(November 24, 2004 – Olympia)  Former Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice James M. Dolliver passed away today in his hometown of Olympia, Washington.

Dolliver served on the Supreme Court from 1976 until 1999, serving as Chief Justice from 1985-1987.  Prior to his election to the Court, he served as a sole practitioner, legal counsel to the Legislature and chief of staff to former Governor Dan Evans.    

Having served with him on the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Gerry Alexander expressed condolences to his family on behalf of the Court.  “I admired him immensely and believe he was an outstanding Supreme Court justice,” said Alexander.  “He will be missed by everyone in the legal community.”

In 1999, the Secretary of State’s Office published the first oral history of a Washington Supreme Court Justice based on the life of Justice Dolliver.  A copy of the oral history can be found online at the following direct address:  http://www.secstate.wa.gov/oralhistory/dolliver.pdf

Dolliver was raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa, joining the navy as an aviation cadet after graduating from high school, including air and sea rescue patrol assignments for the U.S. Coast Guard.  After his military service, he graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania in 1949, and the University of Washington School of Law in 1952.  During his studies, he served as a contributor to the Washington Law Review and as a law clerk for Washington Supreme Court Justice Fredrick G. Hamley.

Justice Dolliver is survived by his wife, Barbara and six children (Jennifer, Nancy, Beth, James, Peter and Keith).  Burial and funeral information will be announced by the family.

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