Jack Schomer now spending more time with family-Colleagues miss retired attorney's tenacity, loyalty

By Jo Mathis Legal News Jack Schomer retired from the Marcoux Allen law firm in Jackson in May. But it wasn't until last week that he finally agreed to let his colleagues get the word out, even if he doesn't want to talk to the press himself. "Jack is a very modest, unassuming guy despite his size," said Marcoux Allen President Diane Bower, referring to the 6-foot-6 Schomer. "Jack never likes to say much about himself. He is modest, but tenacious. Once he put his teeth into something, he wouldn't let go until he'd won." Schomer joined the Marcoux Allen firm in 1965, left in 1974 to become a partner at the Jackson office of the Dykema Gossett law firm, then rejoined the Marcoux Allen firm as a shareholder in 1991. "We miss the loyalty he brought to the firm," said Bower. "Once Jack was on your side, he was always on your side. It didn't matter what happened, when Jack was on your side, that was it." And everyone wanted Schomer on his or her side at the company picnic/softball game. Schomer played ball in the Minor Leagues, and was set to pitch for the Chicago Cubs until he hurt his pitching arm in an accident and had to retire. Although he was no longer able to pitch at major league' speed following his injury, he used to terrify the other members of Marcoux Allen with the speed of his throwing arm during the softball game at the annual firm picnic, she noted. "He was not allowed to pitch, because no one wanted to catch if Jack was pitching," she said, adding that when Schomer caught the ball in the outfield, the infield players held their mitts as far away from themselves as possible, grateful for his accuracy but anticipating the pain from the force of the ball when it hit the mitt. Bower said Schomer's partners and clients could attest to the fact that Jack practiced law the same way he played baseball - at full speed, always keeping his eye on the ball but watching the entire field at the same time. Schomer specialized in corporate law, municipal finance, and commercial litigation, and tried and won many cases over the course of his legal career. He represented clients in matters in state and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. "I practiced law with Jack for over 20 years and found him to be unfailingly loyal to his partners, clients and friends," said attorney Bob Kendall. " When it came to protecting his clients' interests, no one was more committed, creative or steadfast than Jack. It simply was a pleasure to practice law with him." Schomer was born in Chicago and graduated from Michigan State University. After retiring from baseball, he decided to go to Wayne State University Law School. In addition to practicing law, Schomer donated his time to serve on a number of non-profit boards during his career, including the Foote Hospital (now Allegiance Health) Board of Trustees, and the Economic Development Corporation of Jackson County, which he helped form. He also served as a member of the Jackson Public School Board. Jack and his wife, Gail, have been married 50 years and have five children and 22 grandchildren. They continue to live in Jackson. According to Bower, the entire family is delighted that he has agreed to slow down enough to enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation. Published: Mon, Sep 3, 2012

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