05/27/2026
James F. Almand
1948-2026
James "Jim" Almand was an American attorney, judge and a Democratic politician who represented Arlington, Virginia. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1978 to mid-2003, rising to become chair of the powerful House Courts of Justice committee that effectively determines which judicial candidates will become judges and justices in Virginia’s court system.[1] He then served as a Circuit Court judge in the 17th judicial circuit, which comprises Arlington and the City of Falls Church. He retired in December, 2011.
Jim dedicated his life to public service, but those closest to him knew him first as a kind, humble, deeply steady man whose integrity shaped every room he entered. He spent his life helping others, leading with fairness, compassion, and an unwavering belief that government and community could be forces for good.
James "Jim" Frederick Almand passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cynthia Flood of Plainfield, NJ — the love of his life — his sons Andrew Iverson (Emily Reijmers) and Thomas Brady (Megan Day), his daughter Clare Hamilton, and five beloved grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Iverson Hawthorne Almand of Dundas, VA and Grace Briel Almand of Richmond, VA, and his brother, Louis Iverson. While devastated by his passing, his family finds comfort in knowing he is finally reunited with them.
Jim was born at Arlington Hospital in Arlington, VA on October 18, 1948. After attending Arlington Public Schools, he graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1971 and the Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1974. He began his career as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in 1974. Following his election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1977, Jim entered private law practice with his father. He represented Arlington — and at times parts of Fairfax — from 1978 until 2003, when he retired from the General Assembly. That same year, he was appointed a Circuit Court Judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit serving Arlington and the City of Falls Church, a position he held until his retirement in 2011. His love of politics and public service began at a young age. After attending a campaign rally for Adlai Stevenson with his father, Jim became interested in holding elective office. He first ran for office in 1956 for president of his third grade class and continued running for student leadership positions throughout his years at Swanson Junior High and Washington-Lee High School. While on hiatus from elected office during college, Jim was awarded the James Frederick Carr Memorial Cup as the Outstanding Senior at William and Mary. Following graduation from law school, he served as President of the Virginia Young Democrats from 1975–1976. He ran his final campaign for a thirteenth term in the Virginia House of Delegates in 2001.
During his twenty-five years in the General Assembly, Jim became widely respected for his leadership on issues involving criminal justice, transportation, housing, aging services, and energy policy. He served on numerous commissions and advisory boards at both the state and local level, always focusing on practical solutions that improved people's daily lives. Jim believed government "can and should play an important role in providing economic, efficient service for those in need." He patroned or co-patroned legislation that reduced drunk driving, required young children to be in safety seats, and made it illegal to execute intellectually disabled convicts. One of his proudest achievements was the signing of his "One Gun A Month" bill into law to combat illegal gun trafficking. He was also deeply passionate about criminal justice reform and served on the Courts of Justice Committee during his entire tenure in the legislature, including as chairman or co-chairman from 1992–2001. His dedication to serving others resulted in many awards and accolades throughout his life and career. Among them were the Legislative Award from the Virginia Housing Coalition in 1991, the Distinguished Service Award from the National Commission Against Drunk Driving in 1992, the Legislator of the Year Award from the Safe Kids Coalition in 1993, and the Defender of Justice Award from the Virginia College of Criminal Defense Attorneys in 2001. In 1998, the Virginia Community Criminal Justice Association named its annual award "The James F. Almand Award for Advancement in Community Corrections." As a lifelong Arlington resident, Jim remained deeply involved in his local community. He served with organizations including the American Heart Association, Northern Virginia Chapter, the American Red Cross Arlington Chapter, the Optimist Club of Arlington, and the Arlington Historical Society, among many others. He was also a devoted member of his church community. As a proud charter child of First Christian Church, Falls Church, he served throughout his life as a deacon, trustee, and Church Elder. Jim is remembered for his kindness, humility, and fairness. As a legislator for a quarter century, he used his natural diplomacy to work across the aisle and build consensus — a skill increasingly rare and deeply needed. As a Circuit Court Judge, he carefully considered all sides of every issue before making a ruling, always allowing the law and his conscience to guide him.
To his family, Jim was a source of constant steadiness, wisdom, and warmth. His children and grandchildren knew him as patient, thoughtful, endlessly supportive, and always ready with humor, music, or a story. No accomplishment ever mattered more to him than the people he loved. Jim was calm under pressure, thoughtful in his responses, and seldom uttered a negative word about anyone. He remained a shining example of how to use power to help those who need it most, never for personal gain, but always in service of others. In his free time, Jim loved being outside — walking the dog through the neighborhood or doing yardwork. He enjoyed playing tennis and watching college basketball. He faithfully endured the many ups and downs of baseball fandom in Washington over more than seventy years and multiple franchises. Thankfully, he was able to celebrate the Washington Nationals becoming World Series champions in 2019. Jim had a rare ability to make lasting friends wherever he went. The friendships he built during the early days of his political career remained strong throughout his life. Friends remember his humor, his "Gong Show" campaign fundraisers, his almond-brown campaign signs, the "Re-elect ALMAND for Delegate" emery boards, and watching him win every Backwards Feet contest. His infectious laughter — especially while watching The Pink Panther movies — his joyful piano playing, and his habit of responding to anyone saying, "It's hot" with "Some like it hot," will be dearly missed. "Jimmy Almand really was the best, and everybody knows it." (If you know, you know.)
The family will receive friends at First Christian Church, Falls Church, 6165 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, on May 29, 2026, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 p.m. Jim's memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:30 am at First Christian Church, Falls Church, followed by a reception at the church. His inurnment will take place Monday, June 1, 2026, at 9:30 am at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to First Christian Church, Falls Church or the Arlington Historical Society.
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