Jon B. McPhail, a gifted litigator who committed his career to protecting those in need, died unexpectedly the morning of January 2. He was 65. He was a graduate of Wake Forest University, Emory University, and the University of Virginia School of Law. His focus was on contract litigation, and his greatest contributions to both the legal field and his clients were in mortgage and property law. He argued a case before the Georgia Supreme Court, and often represented clients who could not afford to pay him. Outside of the courtroom, he worked to protect green spaces and natural resources both as a board member of Milton Grows Green, and through his participation in the Natural Resources Committee in Alpharetta.  Throughout his life, Jon devoted all of his energy and his intellect to serving others, including neighbors, family, and those with substance abuse issues. In his free time, Jon could be found plying golf, arguing with friends about sports, listening to Warren Zevon, walking his dog with his loving wife along the Alpharetta Greenway, and helping his son build a deck in Atlanta. He is preceded by his father R.B. McPhail, and survived by his mother Maggie McPhail, the love of his life, wife Martha Cato McPhail, and son Leeland Thomas McPhail. Family, friends, and those whose lives Jon touched are invited to the Dunwoody Nature Center on January 20th from 1–3pm to grieve his loss and celebrate his life.