In Memory of our Friend and Colleague John C. Eddy

John Condit Eddy was born in Cairo, Egypt on March 19, 1925 to William Alfred Eddy and Mary Garvin Eddy.  One of four children he spent most of his youth in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Geneva, New York, graduating from Darrow High School in 1942, after which he attended Dartmouth College.  In the fall of 1944 he left Dartmouth to serve in the United States Marines.  He was discharged as a 2^nd lieutenant on January 8, 1947.  He was later recalled during the Korean War from March of 1951 through June of 1952, being discharged as a 1^stlieutenant.  John completed his political science degree from Dartmouth College following which he attended University of Virginia Law School, graduating in 1949.  He married Jane Brenton on November 11, 1950.  Together they had four children, Carolyn Eddy Anders (Bruce), William Alfred Eddy (Cathy), Sara Jane Eddy and Elizabeth Richmond Eddy and three grandchildren, Hillary Jo Hansman, Matthew Richmond Hansman and Benjamin Philip Anders.

After law school John followed a job lead to a man by the name of Allen Whitfield who was seeking to add another lawyer to his Des Moines, Iowa law firm.  After flying to Des Moines for an interview John was offered an associate position at the five-member firm of Whitfield, Musgrave, Selvy, Fillmore and Kelly.  He continued practicing law in Iowa for the rest of his life.  He became a partner with Whitfield, Musgrave, Selvy, Kelly & Eddy, now Whitfield & Eddy P.L.C.  in 1960.  After 40 years of practicing law, John retired in 1991.  John is remembered by his friends and colleagues for his sharp mind, quick wit and quiet spoken manner.  As stated by current member attorney Jerry Spaeth “John Eddy had one of the keenest legal minds I have ever encountered and he always was very interested in the lawyers and staff at W&E.  He will be missed.”  Member Kevin Reynolds stated, “I don’t think I recall ever hearing him say a bad word about anyone.  He was a ‘lawyer’s lawyer’.”  He often asked me about the cases I was working on, and always enjoyed a good story or two from the trial “wars.” 

 John lived an extremely active life that included playing tennis, squash, soccer, basketball, skiing and frequenting the Riverfront YMCA.  Additionally, John was an active member of the central Iowa community.   His involvement included acting as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in the 1950’s, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of Simpson College for over 30 years, serving as director for Northwest Des Moines National Bank and the Brenton National Bank of Des Moines and teaching Sunday school at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, now Cathedral.  John influenced numerous lives both through his civic involvement and his prestigious career as an attorney.  He will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues.