LEBANON — He'll be remembered for defending those charged with crimes ranging from bicycling under the influence to murder. He'll also be remembered for his “passionate” interest in South Lebanon.

        His many friends, however, may remember Lebanon lawyer John “Jack” Quinn most of all for his stories.

        “He had thousands and thousands of stories — whether they were all true or not, I don't know,” said Mark Florence, a Lebanon attorney.

        The stories were colorful and witty and often about Mr. Quinn's fellow Irishmen, Mr. Florence and other friends said.

        Mr. Quinn died after suffering an apparent heart attack Monday night while riding his bike. He was 57.

        “Quinn was a marvelous person,” Mr. Florence said. “He was very intelligent, very well read, but he had the innate ability to communicate very well with people from all walks of life.”

        One of his most notable court victories was his defense two years ago of Jeffrey Bornhoeft, accused of murdering his ex-wife's new husband.

        “It's the first time that I could remember that a jury found someone not guilty by reason of insanity (in Warren County),” Prosecutor Tim Oliver said.

        Mr. Quinn could get under the skin of judges and prosecutors. At one point in the Bornhoeft case, he was quoted in The Enquirer as saying: “Nothing prosecutors would do in this case would surprise me. There is no limit to their stupidity.”

        Mr. Quinn also served as village solicitor for South Lebanon for 25 years.

        “He always had the village at heart,” said John Louallen, administrator of South Lebanon. “I feel like I've lost a real close friend.”

        Mr. Quinn graduated from Middletown High School and received his undergraduate degree at Xavier University before getting his law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1970. Mr. Quinn, who never married, is survived by a sister-in-law, Sandra Quinn of Kettering, a nephew and numerous cousins.

        Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday at Wilson Schramm Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Family Parish-Holy Trinity Church, Middletown.

        Memorials: American Heart Association, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044, or a charity of the donor's choice.

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