Long time NAFUSA member and former member of the board of directors, John Donaldson Foster (“”Don””), age 76, died peacefully on October 23rd in Mobile, Alabama after battling a long illness.  He is survived by his wife, Kathy Quina Foster of Mobile, AL, his sister, Dr. Patricia Ann Foster (David) of Iowa City, IA; his children, Dr. Meredith Foster Herlong (Warren) of Fairhope, AL and John Harlan Foster (Marti) of Point Clear, AL; his step children Marion Albert Quina, III (Margie) of Nashville, TN and Elliott Richardson Quina (Kellie), of Mobile, AL; six grandchildren, Foster Horton, Emory Horton, Pierce Horton, Johnny Foster, Marykate Foster, and Harrison Foster; and four step grandchildren, Lauren Quina, Byers Quina, Elliott Quina, and Sage Quina.

Don was born in Mobile, Alabama. He moved to Foley, Alabama as a child and later attended Foley High School where he excelled in several sports, including football and baseball. During his career as a running back on the football team, Don and teammate Kenny Stabler led the Foley Lions to multiple state championships during an unrivaled era of football dominance for the school. Don still holds the career touchdown record to this day. Upon graduation from Foley High School in 1963 as an All-American High School Athlete, he attended Georgia Tech on a football scholarship, where he was coached by the legendary Bobby Dodd. After graduating with a BS from Georgia Tech in 1967, he then attended the University of Alabama law school and received his law degree in 1971. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1971-1975 where he achieved the rank of Captain.

Don was admitted to the Alabama Bar Association in 1971 and embarked upon what was to become a prolific legal career. He began work with the Mobile firm Gallalee, Denniston & Edington, where he practiced for several years before forming his own law firm in Baldwin County. Over the course of his long career, Don practiced in a variety of legal areas and was highly regarded by his peers for both his skills in the courtroom and his integrity in all areas of life. During his career, he practiced in many jurisdictions, was elected as Bar Commissioner by the Alabama State Bar, was appointed to the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission, and in January 1995 was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. After his tenure as U.S. Attorney, he returned to private practice as co-founder of the firm Jackson & Foster, LLC, where he practiced until his retirement a few years ago.

A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Don was devoted to family, the practice of law, the University of Alabama, and many other civic causes where he left his mark as part of the fabric of his community. Don was known for his big smile, quick wit, and keen intellect. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the Parkinson’s Foundation or a charity of choice.

A celebration of life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church (6101 Grelot Road in Mobile) on Wednesday, October 27 at 1:00pm followed by a reception for friends and family members at the Country Club of Mobile.

As is our custom, at NAFUSA’s request an American flag was flown over Main Justice today in Don’s honor. It will be presented to his family as a token of the esteem with which he was held by his colleagues.

Flag flown over Main Justice on October 26 in honor of J. Don Foster