Jackson Kelly is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Thomas (Tom) Potter, a giant in the West Virginia Bar and a model of civic responsibility. Tom joined the Firm in 1968 after a stint in the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate, right after law school graduation, and a few years with Woodroe, Kizer & Steed before joining Jackson Kelly. Attorneys who worked with Tom remember him as a “big picture guy, who got stuff done,” and “got stuff done without drama.” Tom quickly became known as a leader throughout, not only the legal industry, but the state of West Virginia.
“Tom Potter was a titan in the firm,” says Managing Member, Robert Tweel. “It is because of leaders like Tom Potter that Jackson Kelly became the strong, dynamic firm it is today.” Tweel’s predecessor as Managing Member, Ellen Cappellanti says Tom helped guide her career. “He was a great mentor. Very practical and accomplished lawyer who did not get distracted by things that do not matter.” Ellen adds, “he was really good at navigating hard situations and simplifying things down.”
Tom held multiple leadership positions within Jackson Kelly. As a practicing attorney he was known for making complex deals simple. His practice at the Firm centered on Business Law, including both litigation and negotiation. Tom handled issues pertaining to contracts, natural resources, corporate, real estate and property law, eminent domain, transportation, zoning, and leases. As a leader in the firm, he ran his practice group, and he spent the last five years of his career as the chairman of Jackson Kelly’s Executive Committee.
Tom was committed to public service, not just the law. He was involved in over twenty-five different organizations at one time or another that impacted communities and the state. From serving as Chairman of the board for a cancer hospital to the WV Library Commission and many more, his presence is still felt throughout the Mountain State. He served for eight years in the West Virginia Legislature and was also elected to Chairman of the Republican State Executive Committee.
He did not do these things for the recognition, but the recognition came regardless. Tom received the West Virginia Bar Association’s Award of Merit. The YMCA awarded Tom the Spirit of the Valley Award for leadership and volunteer work in the Kanawha Valley. West Virginia University bestowed Tom with the Order of Vandalia (West Virginia University’s highest award), and Marshall University inducted him into the Business Hall of Fame. Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University awarded him the Alumni Recognition Award. He was a 1957 graduate of the West Virginia University (WVU) College of Law and received a B.A. in Political Science in 1954, also from WVU.
Charles Loeb worked closely with Tom for years. “Tom was the consummate business lawyer who had a unique ability to get complicated business deals done, even when the prospect of doing so might seem impossible to others at the outset. Fortunately for Charleston he shared these skills and gave greatly of his time to make our community a better place to live by leading a number of community organizations such as Charleston Renaissance and BIDCO. Without Tom’s leadership, vision and persistence the Capitol Market would have never been possible, let alone completed. “No” or “it can’t be done” were not part of Tom’s vocabulary in the creation of the Market and the many other projects he was involved with over the years.”
Louis Southworth echoes Charlie’s sentiments: “Tom was a great lawyer, great leader and great friend.”
Tom’s leadership cannot be separated from his competitiveness. He was an excellent athlete in high school, at one point, holding state track and field records. He remained competitive and loved being around sports. He served as president and member of the board of the West Virginia Senior Sports Classic, Inc. and participated in the National Senior Games in basketball and volleyball.
The Firm offers its deepest condolences to Tom’s wife, Jean B. Potter, his children and grandchildren.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Tom will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, WV with Rev. Dr. William C. Myers officiating.
