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IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

James DuPre Sumner, Jr.

 Professor of Law, Emeritus

 Los Angeles

1919–2003

 

James DuPre Sumner, Jr., was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1919. Educated in the schools there, he graduated from Wofford College with an A.B. degree in 1941. His academic career was interrupted with the advent of World War II. He was commissioned an officer in the United States Army and served with great gallantry in the bloody campaign for the liberation of Italy, earning both the Silver Star and Purple Heart decorations and obtaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. Following the successful conclusion of World War II, he resumed his academic career, enrolling at the University of Virginia Law School. There he was an editor of the law review, elected to the Order of the Coif, and was awarded the LL.B. degree in 1949. After a brief interval as instructor at the University of South Carolina Law School, he entered graduate study at Yale University, earning both the LL.M. degree (1952) and S.J.D. degree (1955). Invited to join the faculty of the new UCLA Law School in 1952, Jim became part of the small group of dedicated scholars and teachers who were essential to the establishment of the Law School as a first-rate educational institution. His genial and gracious personality coupled with the overlay of Southern gentility quickly earned him the sobriquet of "Sunny Jim." He remained at the Law School until his retirement in 1989, when he was accorded emeritus status.

Professor Sumner's primary academic interests were Contracts, Conflict of Laws, and Wills. He had a firm grasp of both the theoretical and practical aspects of these subjects since he maintained a separate office for the public practice of law and at one time served as president of the local Westwood Bar Association. His clientele included many UCLA faculty members and administrators. In addition to articles in various law reviews, he was a contributing author for the books Anatomy of Modern Legal Education and The Complete Guide to a Profitable Law Practice.

 

John Bauman

Kenneth York

Ted Jones