COLUMBUS, OH – Emens Wolper Jacob & Jasin Law firm announced today the passing of J. Richard “Dick” Emens. Dick passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 28 after a lengthy battle with melanoma. He was 89 years old.
Dick was a curious soul and life-long learner, and that passion shown brightest in his love for the law. Dick earned his JD degree from University of Michigan where he went on to specialize in Oil and Gas Law, Corporate Law and Family-Owned Businesses. Dick made an impact on the lives of his clients and made a difference in Ohio oil and gas law through his legal work. He found fulfillment when he was able to mentor younger lawyers, protect landowners, solve problems and align his legal work with his values. After serving as a Partner, President and Managing Director for larger Columbus firms for over 40 years, Dick and his wife, Beatrice Wolper, began Emens & Wolper Law Firm, LPA (now Emens, Wolper, Jacobs & Jasin Law Firm, LPA) in 2009, with Dick concentrating on being an advocate on behalf of landowners.
Dick was admired and respected by all of his fellow attorneys, support staff, clients and opposing counsel for his broad knowledge of the law, critical analysis of legal issues and zealous advocacy on behalf of his clients. The entire EWJJ family will miss his wise counsel and strategic planning, as well as his friendship.
His commitment to life-long learning was further evidenced by his leadership of the Emens
Scholars Program at Ball State University, which provides full-ride scholarships to students with
a focus on leadership. Thanks to his committed fundraising efforts, the Emens Scholars will
continue to provide generous scholarship grants honoring Dick and his family’s legacy. To
honor the impact Dick had on hundreds of students and the larger Ball State community, Dick
was bestowed with an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Ball State in December 2022 – of
which he was very proud.
In 1998, Dick and his wife, Bea, also founded the Family Business Center of Central Ohio (now
the Conway Center for Family Business), a local non-profit organization. Dick wanted to
establish an organization in Columbus that serves as a solid resource for families, owners, and
non-family executives of family-owned businesses, which it continues to do today.
Dick was a devoted family man who loved his 6 children, 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren
and wife, Bea, beyond measure. In addition to his love of the law, he enjoyed travel, art, wine
and spending time with family and friends, including his Beta fraternity brothers.
Dick’s life will be remembered at a private gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the
family requests a donation be made to honor Dick Emens to: Emens Scholars Legacy Fund
(#30222), or to the Conway Center for Family Business.
In honor of Dick’s life and legacy, Emens Wolper Jacobs & Jasin will be closed on Monday, July 3, 2023 and will reopen after the July 4th holiday on July 5, 2023.
