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Distinguished lawyer supported community, education, public policy engagement

The Schulich School of Law and Dalhousie University is deeply saddened by the loss of a great leader and friend, James (Jim) Palmer on August 27th. We mourn his passing alongside that of his distinguished classmates Vaughan Baird ('52) CM, QC, LLD, who passed away on August 17th and Eric Kinsman ('52), who passed away on June 26.

Legal roots ran deep

Jim was born into a prominent Prince Edward Island family with roots stretching back to Confederation. He lived out a deeply ingrained sense of responsibility to give back and leave the world a better place. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University in 1948, Jim followed a family tradition, graduating from Dalhousie Law School in 1952 – the fifth generation to pursue a legal career.

Leader in legal and broader community

After graduating from law school, Jim moved to Calgary where he joined Burnet, Duckworth (later to become Burnet Duckworth & Palmer) in 1955. He established himself as a leader in business, tax and international law and was instrumental in the development of Alberta's oil and gas industry.

Sharing a profound belief in a caring society and a dedication to community, Jim and wife Barbara actively supported arts, culture, community-building, education, and engagement in public policy. Great champions of education, the Palmers' academic philanthropy has enriched the education of countless students. Jim also gave of his time and talents, serving on the Board of Governors at Dalhousie for many years, and as Chancellor of the University of Calgary.

Through the generous support of the Palmers, the Weldon Law Building was greatly enhanced by the creation of the James and Barbara Palmer Wing in 2004, and our students will soon benefit from a generous gift recently made in aid of student services at the law school.  

"Jim was a great wearer of bow-ties, had unending enthusiasm for the Liberal party, was talented at all manner of athletic endeavors, and was a significant philanthropist. For my part, I will miss his glorious grin, his fundraising advice, his way of dragging you into serious conversations, and of course, those ties."
          - Dean Kimberley Brooks, Weldon Professor of Law

Honouring Jim's many contributions

Over his long career, Jim has been recognized with many honours. Jim received the Weldon Award for Unselfish Public Service in 1992. He was granted Honourary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees from Dalhousie, the University of Calgary, and the University of Prince Edward Island. Jim was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1998; received the Distinguished Service Award from the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association in 1999; was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2003, and the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005; was inducted into the Calgary Business Hall of Fame in 2008; and was awarded the Lexpert Zenith Award and the Peter Lougheed Award for Leadership in Public Policy in 2012.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Barbara, their four daughters, and Jim's extended family and friends. 

>   Burnet Duckworth & Palmer pay tribute to founder, James S Palmer