It is with great sadness that we announce Gus J. James II, attorney and former Chairman of Kaufman & Canoles, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018.
"An outstanding lawyer, a resolute and dedicated leader, and a stalwart in the Greek community, Gus was dedicated to his faith, family, friends, clients, and colleagues and we are diminished by his passing," said Bill Van Buren III, Chairman of Kaufman & Canoles.
Gus James began practicing law in 1967 with Kaufman & Oberndorfer. The firm merged with Canoles, Mastracco, Martone, Barr and Russell in 1982 to form Kaufman & Canoles. Mr. James served as Chairman of Kaufman & Canoles for nearly sixteen years, ending his most recent leadership term at the end of 2007. During his time as Chairman, Kaufman & Canoles prospered under his leadership, adding 4 offices and more than 50 attorneys. "Our firm would not be what it is today but for him," said Mr. Van Buren. "We were very fortunate to have enjoyed his leadership."
A native of the Island of Cyprus, Mr. James was very active in the Greek community serving numerous terms as President of the Greek Community of Norfolk and Chairman of the Greek Festival for many years. Mr. James also served on numerous community and nonprofit boards and was a former Commissioner of the Norfolk Airport Authority.
Mr. James was the recipient of the Tidewater Humanitarian Award in 1999 and the recipient of the Archon Award, an honor bestowed on him by the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, in 2006. He was named a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation in 2006 and received the 2015 AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Due to inclement weather on January 6, 2018, the burial service for Mr. James was postponed and is now scheduled to take place Saturday, January 13th, at 11:00 A.M. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby Street, Norfolk.
The contents of this publication are intended for general information only and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on specific facts and circumstances. Copyright 2026.
