Title
A resolution honoring the life of Ira Stephen “Steve” North, Sr.
Body
WHEREAS, longtime Nashville attorney and former Davidson County Circuit Court Judge Steve North died peacefully at home in Madison, TN on December 28, 2020. He was 79 years old; and
WHEREAS, Steve North served Middle Tennessee for over 50 years as a learned judge, fierce advocate, and tireless community servant. His professional life was a never-ending quest for justice with an approach that mirrored his personal dedication to fairness, goodness, grace, and mercy; and
WHEREAS, Ira Stephen “Steve” North was born in Abilene, Texas, to Ira and Avon North of Lawrence County, Tennessee. His father Ira was the long-time minister of the Madison Church of Christ; and
WHEREAS, Steve North honed his quick wit and elite oratory skills throughout his childhood and early adult years. He graduated from Madison High School and David Lipscomb College before working his way through Vanderbilt School of Law as the minister of the Spring Hill Church of Christ in Maury County; and
WHEREAS, Steve North began his legal career at the firm of Howell & Fisher and practiced there until 1974, when he was elected Judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Davidson County at the age of 32; and
WHEREAS, Steve North returned to private practice in 1982 as a sole practitioner and was joined by his son Mark North in 1991. They moved the North Law Offices closer to their homes in Madison in 1996, where they practiced together for 20 more years; and
WHEREAS, Steve North served as a part-time preacher and Sunday School teacher for over 50 years at congregations across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, Steve North was a well-respected member of the Madison and Metro Nashville community, known for his work and contributions to nonprofit organizations and local politics; and
WHEREAS, Steve North served on the Metro Sports Authority, providing his wisdom and unique thoughtful perspective during a time when professional sports in Nashville was growing; and
WHEREAS, he voluntarily and regularly participated in community meetings and organizations, and was kind, direct, and always helpful; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his contributions to local politics, Steve North actively helped his wife Jo Ann North become Metro Nashville’s and Tennessee's first woman elected to countywide office in 1979, when she was elected to an At-Large seat on the Metro Council. She went on to serve three terms as At-Large Council Member. This was an integral part of his legacy, as well as an historic event for the city and the state; and
WHEREAS, Steve North was a good man. His generosity, community spirit, kindness, and firm handshake will be greatly missed; and
WHEREAS, Steve North was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, an uncle, a brother, an advisor, and a friend; and
WHEREAS, Steve North is survived by his wife of 58 years Jo Ann North; his brother Phillip L. North (Dale); his sister Dolley North Rennie (Robert); his sons Ira Stephen North, Jr., Don Mark North (Kristin) and David Paul North (Cherri Beth); grandchildren Anthony North (Alison), Karly North, Lara Harris (Will), JoCee North, Lily North and Myra North; and great-grandchildren Carter North, Ian North, Grace Harris and Ashton North; and he was widely known as “Pop”; and
WHEREAS, Steve North was preceded in death by his parents Ira and Avon North and his brother K. Timothy North, M.D.; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize, honor, and applaud the life of Ira Stephen “Steve” North, for his dedication to the Madison community, the city of Nashville, and the State of Tennessee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life Ira Stephen “Steve” North, Sr. for his unwavering commitment to the betterment of his community throughout his 79 years, and extend to his family our appreciation for sharing Steve with all of us and our heartfelt sorrow for their loss on December 28, 2020.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.