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Costine has close to 70 years in law

T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK John Costine is marking nearly 70 years of practicing law.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — John Costine is a familiar figure in the Belmont County Courthouse and on Main Street in St. Clairsville.

Still going strong at 96 years old and with 69 years of experience in the Costine Law Office, he also may be the longest continually practicing attorney in the state of Ohio.

St. Clairsville Rotarian Kirk Porterfield said he believes this might be the case after researching Costine’s career. Calls to the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio Bar Association have not been able to confirm that Costine holds this honor, but his friends and family are taking note as they mark the 100th anniversary of his family law firm, founded in 1920.

“The law business kept me going,” Costine said, adding that the rhythm of the daily routine and duties have become a part of his life. “You get into a habit.”

He also enjoys working with his sons, Eric Costine and J. Mark Costine, who chose to join the family business. Eric Costine commended his father’s work ethic.

“I just kept on going and my health held up,” John Costine said in response.

“My father and I have a unique relationship,” J. Mark Costine said. “He is my business partner and has been for many years. He was also the best man at my wedding. We’re businesspeople, we’re family and we’re good friends, too. I really appreciate him for that and for the relationship we do have.”

The elder Costine currently concentrates on deeds, mortgages, land contracts and oil and gas leases in his work with the firm. He also served as a justice of the peace for Richland Township beginning in 1951 and continuing for close to eight years before the current court system was established.

“Every township had a justice of the peace,” John Costine said.

He has also been involved in the community. He served on the Belmont County Board of Education for 15 years starting in the 1970s. He served on the St. Clairsville-Richland City Schools Board of Education for five years in the 1970s. And he was secretary of the Belmont County Fair Board for 10 years in the 1960s.

John Costine also answered his country’s call to arms following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

“He’s from the Greatest Generation,” Eric Costine said, noting his father served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, from 1943-46. He still has a love of sailing, and pictures of boats and a navigation chart from his time in the Navy can be found in his office.

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