CHARLESTON – Former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. McHugh has died.
McHugh died January 14. He was 88.
“Our court is deeply saddened by the passing of Justice McHugh, and we send our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to his family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time,” Chief Justice Bill Wooton said in a press release. “Tom McHugh is one of the truly outstanding justices of the West Virginia Supreme Court.
“His example is revered by all current members of the Court. His impact on the jurisprudence of West Virginia is indelible.”
McHugh sometimes said he retired twice from the state Supreme Court.
He first was elected in 1980 and was re-elected in 1992, serving until he retired at the end of 1997. He served as chief justice for five of those 17 years.
When Justice Joseph Albright became ill in 2008, McHugh returned to the court as a senior status justice. When Albright passed away in March 2009, McHugh was appointed to the court by then-Gov. Joe Manchin. McHugh then was elected in 2010 to serve the remainder of Albright’s unexpired term. McHugh then retired from the court again when that term ended in 2012.
“Justice McHugh was universally loved and respected by lawyers, judges and everyone in our court family,” Justice Beth Walker said. “He was a model of distinguished service and civility, and generous with his time when I sought his advice.”
Justice Tim Armstead agreed.
“Justice McHugh was a tremendous example and mentor to judges throughout West Virginia,” Armstead said. “He was not only a giant within our state’s judiciary, but a kind and humble gentleman.
“It is difficult to imagine anyone who has engendered greater respect and admiration within the legal community.”
Justice Haley Bunn echoed those praises.
“Justice McHugh spent his entire life leading by example as a scholarly jurist, devoted public servant and mentor to so many lawyers and judges,” Bunn said. “His legacy and contributions to West Virginia’s judiciary will live on through the many who were touched and influenced by his service.”
New Justice Charles Trump agreed.
“Justice McHugh left an indelible mark on the administration of justice for the citizens of West Virginia and set the standard that we all aspire to follow,” Trump said.
McHugh was born in Charleston in 1936 and was a 1958 graduate of West Virginia University and a Distinguished Military Graduate. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. He then attended the WVU College of Law, graduating in 1964.
During law school, he was a member of the Order of the Coif, a legal honorary, and was associate editor of the West Virginia Law Review. He went on to serve as law clerk to state Supreme Court Justice Harlan Calhoun from 1966 to 1968.
Prior to serving as a Supreme Court justice, McHugh was elected circuit court judge for Kanawha County in 1974 and re-elected in 1976. He served as chief circuit judge from 1974 to 1980.
McHugh is survived by his wife, Judy, their four children Karen, Cindy, James and John and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.