Two Atlanta residents receive Clemson alumni Distinguished Service Award

Published: February 12, 2013

image by: Clemson University

By Beth Anne Lamar

CLEMSON, S.C. — The Clemson Alumni Association has recognized James Warren “Jimmy” Addison and Edgar James “Ed” Duckworth, both of Atlanta, as two of five 2013 winners of the Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor. 

Distinguished Service Award honorees demonstrate a dedication to enhancing the value of the university for future generations; church, professional and public service; and personal accomplishments that serve as a model for present and future Clemson students.

James Warren “Jimmy” Addison

Addison graduated from Clemson in 1968 and earned his Juris Doctor in 1971 from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is a partner with Troutman Sanders LLP Attorneys at Law in Atlanta.

Addison is a member of the Clemson University Foundation board of directors and formerly served as its chairman. He formerly served on the board of directors for the Clemson Alumni Association, as well as the advancement board for the School of Humanities. Addison is a member of the Clemson Alumni Lawyers Society. He established and funded the Virginia and Bill Addison Endowment for the Humanities.

At Troutman Sanders LLP, which has 600 lawyers and 16 international offices, Addison is chairman of the Real Estate Section and a member of the Executive Committee. He was named by Chambers USA in America’s Leading Business Lawyers, selected as a Super Lawyer in real estate law by Law & Politics and Atlanta Magazine and recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in Real Estate Law.

Addison played quarterback for the Clemson football team from 1964 to 1967. In 1966 he was named S.C. Collegiate Athlete of the Year and was selected for the All ACC Team. He was also twice named to the Academic All ACC Team during his football career with the Tigers. In 1994, he was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame. He is an active IPTAY donor and now is a board member for the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame.

Addison is a member of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church.

He and his wife, Dinny, have two children.

Edgar James “Ed” Duckworth

Duckworth graduated from Clemson in 1961. Though he began his career as an engineer, he launched a new career as a broker and securities dealer and was a financial adviser for 15 years with Shearson, Lehman and Hutton and later joined J.C. Bradford as a partner. He currently works is as senior financial adviser for Morgan Stanley, where he is the senior member of a group of five financial advisers known as the TERMINUS Group.

Duckworth currently serves as a member Clemson's The Will to Lead Campaign Committee and the university Foundation board of directors. He also served as co-chairman of the athletics capital campaign that has raised more than $7 million for athletics facilities enhancements.

Duckworth and his wife, Jane, recently made a major contribution to build the Duckworth Family Pavilion to support Clemson’s tennis teams. The Duckworths also supported the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts and scholarships in the College of Business and Behavioral Science. The Duckworths are members of the President’s Leadership Council.

Duckworth has been an active supporter of community sports in the Atlanta area. He has been involved with the Atlanta Jaycees, has volunteered as a Little League baseball coach and serves as a board member of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association. He and his wife are supporters of DeKalb Medical Hospital and the Susan Komen Foundation.

As an active member of the Clairmont Presbyterian Church, Duckworth has served as elder and deacon and participated in the choir and on various committees. 

The Duckworths have three children. 

The other distinguished award winners are William L. “Roy” Abercrombie Jr. of Greenville, S.C.; Russell Carlton Ashmore Jr. of Taylors, S.C.; and Ernest Mitchell “Mitch” Norville of Greenville, S.C.

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