Long-serving criminal defence lawyer James H. Pennington died on August 20, 2026, in Penticton in the company of friends and loved ones.
“Jim’s family has appreciated the support he received from the legal community during his recent lengthy health struggles but has asked for privacy at this time,” according to an email from a local law firm sent to Penticton Bar Association members.
A 44-year member of the defence bar, Jim was on the Legal Aid BC roster in Penticton. He was an effective advocate for many of the highest-profile cases in the South Okanagan, where he defended thousands of people.
“As an advocate for legal aid, his contributions towards advocacy for the legal aid bar and the profession directly helped defence lawyers. Always quick with a quip, and willing to provide assistance to his more recently called colleagues, Jim will be missed by his friends, colleagues, and clients alike,” the email reads.
Jim articled with Preston Mott at Kinsman and Company where he practised in a variety of legal areas after his call to the bar in 1982. He gravitated to criminal law where he spent the rest of his long career, mostly as a sole practitioner.
Legal Aid BC is grateful for Jim’s dedication to legal aid clients over the years.
