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NOBA Remembers James Berry "Berry" St. John Jr., NOBA President, 1999-2000

Posted on: Jul 7, 2026
News: News
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It is with sadness that NOBA shares the news that Berry St. John, NOBA President, 1999-2000, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026. "Doing so on the 250th birthday of the United States of America is in some way fitting for the Navy pilot and staunch patriot that he was", remarked Greg Johnson who worked closely with Berry.

Berry practiced law in New Orleans for 34 years with the firm of Liskow & Lewis, and founded the firm's environmental law section. He was a recognized authority on the Federal Clean Water Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the law governing offshore oil and gas operations, and argued cases throughout the country involving these statutes.

Berry was a former Navy pilot whose convivial nature made everyone feel like a friend. If you talked with him long enough, chances were you would receive one of his favorite invitations to fly in his airplane and later discover that it was an open cockpit plane.

People like Berry are larger than life. They become the giants by whom we measure ourselves. Berry's wisdom, integrity, humility, and steady sense of purpose continue to live on in the people he mentored, the profession he served, and the Bar Association he helped shape. As NOBA president, Berry instituted some of NOBA’s favorite programs, such as the Past Presidents Dinner (now luncheon). Berry represented NOBA on the New Orleans Police Foundation Board of Directors and handled pro bono cases for wounded officers. He also oversaw a comprehensive strategic planning process for NOBA during the 75th anniversary of the Association.

Berry's leadership forged a new path for NOBA, grounded in integrity, professionalism, and service. Decades later, we have never strayed from that course. His influence is woven into the fabric of this Association and will continue to guide us for generations to come.

Wishing fair winds, following seas, and blue skies to our friend Berry. 

Berry St. John, NOBA President 1999-2000, Judge Alma Chasez, NOBA President 1998-1999, and John Pearce, NOBA President 1997-1998, at the inaugural Past Presidents' Dinner in 1999.