John L. Chambers ’57

John died Nov. 25, 2017, of lung cancer.

He came to Princeton from Withrow High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He joined Campus Club, majored in history, and was on lightweight crew. His senior-year roommates were Larry Hicks, Dave Taylor, and Larry Wood. He graduated from Harvard Law in 1960, followed by Navy OCS.

In his Princeton years, John was choosing between medical school and law school. As an avid reader of history and biography a law career worked out to be a better choice. After Harvard, John joined a Nashville, Tenn., firm and remained there until 1971, when he opened his own firm. In 1989 he merged it with a larger firm and continued active practice as of counsel. He was proud of his extensive pro bono work and being a mentor to many young lawyers over the years. John treasured his years at Princeton and felt that experience was the foundation for his accomplishments throughout his career and personal life. 

John is survived by two children and five grandchildren from his first marriage. He and Susan were married in 1986 and had 31 wonderful years together. They were regular attendees at ’57 mini-reunions. We have lost a highly intelligent, loyal member of the class.