CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia announced Tuesday the passing of Justice Tim Armstead, who died August 26 following a brief hospitalization. He was 60.
“Tim Armstead is a sterling example of the best of West Virginia,” said Chief Justice William R. “Bill” Wooton. “In an all-to-short life his public service accomplishments are legendary. He served 20 years in the House of Delegates and was selected by his colleagues to lead that institution as its Speaker. And he served seven years as a Justice of our Supreme Court, including two years as Chief Justice. His abilities, talents and character were recognized by his colleagues, his neighbors, and his fellow West Virginians. Tim was elected to the House of Delegates ten different times and was twice elected statewide to the Supreme Court of Appeals. Throughout a lengthy period of public service Tim Armstead never lost an election.”
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Chief Justice Wooton added, “His public service accomplishments pale in comparison in other areas of his life. He was a natural leader, who always led by example. Tim was thoughtful, highly intelligent, an extremely hard worker, and in every decision was guided by Christian principles. Without his ever saying anything, each of his Supreme Court colleagues looked to Tim’s example on thorny ethical issues. Likewise, his knowledge of state finances has been an invaluable resource to the West Virginia judicial system. Tim was a marvelous husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbor, and colleague. And he was the nicest, most down-to-earth, unassuming person you could ever hope to meet. Everyone who knew Tim Armstead considered him a friend. His passing is a tragedy for the Supreme Court, but our loss is nothing compared to the loss suffered by his beloved wife Anna, his daughter Katie and his two adored grandchildren. They have our deepest sympathy.”
Other justices also remembered Armstead’s service.
“Tim lived a life marked by integrity, servant leadership and unwavering faith, and his service on the Court reflected those values,” said Justice C. Haley Bunn. “He was appointed at a pivotal moment in the Court’s history and dedicated himself to restoring the public’s confidence in the judiciary and treating every person with dignity and grace. He viewed his role as a justice not as a position of power, but as a sacred responsibility to serve others. His legacy of faithful public service will endure for generations. We grieve this profound loss of our colleague and friend, but we also give thanks for a life so well-lived.”
“With profound sadness we mourn the loss of Tim Armstead,” said Justice Charles S. Trump IV. “He leaves a legacy of dedicated and selfless service to the citizens of West Virginia. As Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates and as Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Tim Armstead’s work reflected his great integrity and love for West Virginia and her people. His leadership will be sorely missed here at the Court. Our condolences and prayers remain with his family.”
“As a recent addition to the Court, I was looking forward to working with Justice Armstead,” said Justice-appointee Tom Ewing. “In my limited interactions with him, I found him to be kind and a true gentleman. He was a man of faith, conviction, and integrity and the embodiment of public service. He will be greatly missed on the Court. I offer my prayers and condolences to his wife and family.”
Justice Armstead was first appointed to the Supreme Court in 2018 by Gov. Jim Justice, later winning election to the seat in 2018 and again in 2020 to a 12-year term. He served as Chief Justice in 2020 and 2024.
Born in Charleston on Feb. 26, 1965, Armstead graduated from Braxton County High School, the University of Charleston, and West Virginia University College of Law. His early public service included roles with Gov. Arch Moore, U.S. District Judge David A. Faber, and Gov. Cecil Underwood.
He was appointed to the House of Delegates in 1998 and went on to serve as Minority Leader and later Speaker of the House before joining the Supreme Court.
Over his career, Armstead championed transparency and ethics reforms, supported improvements to flood response and recovery following the 2016 disaster in Elkview, and worked to strengthen the judiciary’s budget practices and child advocacy programs.
Justice Armstead is survived by his wife, Anna; daughter, Katie, and her husband, Aaron Ferrari; and two grandchildren.
