Kaufman, who announced his retirement March 8, elaborated on the decision.
“I had intended on retiring before the last election,” said Kaufman, noting it was 33 years to the day since he began his first campaign for judge. “However, the caseload never abated, the pace never slowed, and, like so many other times, time simply moved on.
“Finally, the presidential election and the pandemic made clear to me that it’s time to recognize the future of the next generation of lawyers stepping in as leaders in the bar, who could be able judges. And three of my longtime colleagues – Judges (Paul) Zakaib, (Jim) Stucky and (Charles) King all passed away within the last two years.”
Seth Underwood, a student at the West Virginia University College of Law, died Wednesday. He was 23.
Underwood was the president of the WVU Law chapter of the Federal Bar Association, according to his LinkedIn profile. He graduated from WVU with a bachelorâs degree in energy land management in 2019, and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
A cause of death was not provided in a news release.
Dr. Matthew Richardson, the director of WVU s Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership, said that Underwood was a very well liked member of the University community. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Seth Underwood, Richardson said in a statement. We are offering support to all impacted students grieving his loss. He was very well liked and the outpouring of love on social media is evidence of that. The Greek community stands with the men of Phi Kappa Psi as they mourn the loss of their brother.
King, who also served Kanawha County Prosecutor, died December 28.
King had been a circuit judge since 1988. He was Chief Circuit Judge several times, including most of 2020. Before that, he served as a prosecutor from 1973 until he was elected County Prosecutor in 1984.
“Today, Kanawha County has lost one of its best and brightest,” Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said. “Judge King served the citizens of Kanawha County for more than 47 years. Through his lifelong dedication to the justice system – both during his time on the bench and as a prosecuting attorney – Charlie King impacted thousands of lives.”
Carper, who also is an attorney, said King was one of his best friends.