John Dolphus Church Jr.

John D. Church, Jr., beloved husband of John Hall for 35 years, passed suddenly on November 21, 2020. A long-time resident of the French Quarter and Old Metairie, John was a man of wit, precision and strong opinions, with a gift for long and enduring friendships.
Born in Montgomery, AL, on February 5, 1946, the son of the late John Dalphus Church, Sr., and Elizabeth Church, John was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Auburn University (BA), and University of Alabama, Birmingham (MA Hospital Administration). Following service in the Air Force, John joined the Department of Veteran’s Affairs serving primarily in Washington, D.C., Shreveport, LA, Jackson, MS, and New Orleans, LA. John retired in 2006 as the CEO of the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans. It was in this last role that he oversaw the care and eventual evacuation of the Center’s patients during and after Hurricane Katrina (he was on the last truck to evacuate the Center). He was also instrumental in the establishment of the new Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in New Orleans and the expansion of the SE Louisiana Veteran’s Healthcare System. John was the recipient of numerous honors and awards recognizing his service and compassion from within and without the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
In his personal life, John was devoted to his husband John, his dogs, his family of choice, and his community. A man of deep faith, John served as a Crucifer at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., and, since 1989, in various roles at Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans. John also shared his energies and passions with a variety of community organizations. Burial will be private, with a memorial service planned for the future. Memorials may be made in John’s memory to the charity of your choice.

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