Charles F. McDevitt

Charles Francis McDevitt (January 5, 1932 – May 29, 2021) was an American attorney, politician, executive, and jurist. He served as a justice of the Idaho Supreme Court from 1989 to 1997, including as chief justice from 1993 to 1997.

Early life and education Born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho, McDevitt graduated from Pocatello High School and attended Idaho State College for a year. He transferred to the University of Idaho in Moscow, then served in the United States Army for two years. Returning to the University of Idaho in 1954, he earned his LL.B from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1956.

Career McDevitt began his legal career as a member of Richards, Haga & Eberle in Boise from 1956 to 1962. In 1962, he was elected to the Idaho House of Representatives and re-elected in 1964.

Following his retirement from the court in 1997, McDevitt co-founded the law firm McDevitt and Miller, LLP with Dean J. Miller.

Personal life Charles "Chuck" Francis McDevitt was the fourth of twelve children born to Bernard A. and Margaret H. McDevitt in Pocatello, Idaho. He married Virginia "Ginny" Heller in 1954, a partnership he described as the highlight of his life. They had seven children and primarily lived in Boise, Idaho, with a period in Bronxville, New York while McDevitt worked for Beck Industries and the Singer Company.

McDevitt was deeply involved in his community and family activities. He enjoyed farming, raising goats, tending beehives, and producing honey with a friend under the name Sweet Justice. He was also known as a skilled cook and cherished gatherings around the family table. McDevitt passed away on May 29, 2021, surrounded by family.

Death McDevitt died in Boise in 2021 at the age of 89.