Growing up during the Depression, Eaves began working as a carhop in Louisville at the age of 8, working his way up to manager of the drive-in by age 15. At age 16, Eaves was the manager of the local skating rink. After spending four years at Mississippi State University earning an undergraduate degree, Eaves enrolled in law school at the University of Mississippi. He graduated in 1968 with both a
n LLB and JD. He began practicing law and married Patricia Lovorn Eaves, also of Winston County, and the couple moved to Jackson. Eaves was elected as a state representative from Hinds County in 1972, where he served until resigning in 1975 to run for governor of the state of Mississippi. In between another bid for governor in 1979, Eaves grew his successful law practice as clients admired and appreciated his tenacity and determination to zealously represent them. As a gubernatorial candidate again in 1987, Eaves was known for his desire to reduce the price of car tags in Mississippi. The Law Firm of John Arthur Eaves has represented plaintiffs both nationally and internationally since its founding in 1963 in Louisville. Clients have come from all over the United States and countries as diverse as Ukraine, Mexico, Italy, Thailand, Venezuela, Columbia and the Dominican Republic. Eaves is a member of the American Bar Association, the Texas Bar Association, the Washington, D.C. Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association and the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association.
