John Joseph Ezell's Obituary
Born May 1, 1943 in Casper, Wyoming; passed away March 21, 2009 in Richardson, Texas. Preceded in death by his parents, James and Vivian Ezell. John is survived by his daughter, Liz Ezell and husband Gary Good; daughter, Kelly Good; granddaughters, Madison Ezell and Ali Good; grandsons, Garrett Good and Riley Good; as well as his beloved german shepherd, Hannah. John was admitted to the Texas bar in 1971; he is a graduate of Southern Methodist University (B.B.A.), June 13, 1965 graduate of Babson Institute (M.B.A.), and May 16, 1971 graduate of St. Mary’s University (J.D.). He has been licensed in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas; U.S. Supreme Court; Texas Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; U.S. Tax Court; Distric of Coulumbia, Washington, D.C. John was board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He was also a Former Director, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists; Council Member, Family Law Section, State Bar of Texas; Certified Family Mediator, Attorney-Mediators Institute; Certified Family Arbitrator, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Fellow – American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Member – American Bar Association; Fellow – College of the State Bar of Texas; Member – Family Law Committee, Texas Board of Legal Specialization Examiners; as well as a consultant to the “Texas Family Law Practice Manual”, Manual Revision Committee. John was born on May 1st, 1943 in Casper, Wyoming, but lived the vast majority of his life here in Dallas. John was a responsible, loving son to his parents, James and Vivian Ezell and had a strong, unwavering bond with his beloved daughter Liz, and played a loving role in the life of his daughter Kelly, and his son-in-law, Gary. John was immensely proud of his granddaughters, Madison and Ali, and grandsons, Garrett and Riley. Aside from business, John was never very far away from Hannah, his German Shepard and constant companion. Capt. John J. Ezell served his country with honor in the US Air Force from 1965 to 1970. John also served proudly in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, at Lake Texoma for some 25 years. John was a lawyer, a Family Law Attorney, respected for his expertise in his community and throughout the State of Texas; he saw his profession as a way to help others. A respected litigator, John established a successful law practice in 1978 and served his community for over 4 decades. John spent a lifetime actively seeking out and playing roles in the community that forced from him great levels of personal interaction with others. A 32nd degree Mason and a Jester with the Shriners, John was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, a member of the Republican Party and was involved in multiple charities and organizations throughout the community. With a love for the outdoors, John enjoyed golf and was a member of the Dallas Athletic Club for many years. He enjoyed spending time in Red River, New Mexico at the family cabin for skiing and fellowship with friends and family. It was also this love for the outdoors that brought him to his greatest passion, boating. His boat on Lake Texoma, Docket Call, was his home away from home. The boat brought his family and friends together and provided a much needed respite from his emotion-driven law practice. His dream was to someday retire on Docket Call somewhere on the Coast, a dream never fully-realized, but never forgotten. Unfailingly generous, John Ezell led a purpose-driven life worth emulating. He offered all that he had, his home, his business expertise, and his skillful hands to help friends in need. His Gift was love for others; And with humor, generosity and faith, his life was a gift to us all. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Restland Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 pm, Friday, March 27, 2009 in Restland’s Wildwood Chapel.
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