Firm mourns loss of John F. Andrews

January 5, 2022

It is with fond memories and heavy hearts that our Capell & Howard family mourns the loss of John Fontaine Andrews.

Born and raised in Montgomery, AL, John successfully practiced as a bond attorney for Capell & Howard for 45 years, building a practice of statewide recognition.

John’s fellow attorneys and friends describe him as funny, engaging and colorful, particularly when he shared stories of his many travels and adventures. He had an independent and original streak, owing perhaps to his French Huguenot roots or possibly his mother’s Eufaula upbringing.

John enjoyed opera wherever he found it, including on his trips around the world. He introduced several friends to opera and loved to join them in recent years when Metropolitan Opera productions were broadcast live in local movie theaters.

Perhaps more than opera, John loved to travel across the globe – with his beloved wife Ellen, before they started a family, and later with friends and law partners. John relished handling all the travel planning and preparations for a trip. Whether it was traveling to Costa Rica, Mexico or the Ukraine, if you were lucky enough to travel with John, you were sure to experience a unique and sometimes challenging adventure.

In addition to opera and travel, John loved parties and entertaining, particularly costume parties and impromptu gatherings that he and Ellen hosted. As a zealous founder of the costumed Rogues Ball, John discovered belatedly that Spanish moss was a poor accessory to a swamp monster costume (yes, the maddeningly itchy chigger makes its home there).

John will be missed by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

A memorial service for John will be held at a later date. Click here for his obituary.

With special thanks to Capell & Howard attorneys William Martin, John’s colleague and friend, and Lister Hubbard, John’s cousin, for their contributions to this tribute.