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JOHN SEMMES Obituary
JOHN GIBSON SEMMES
John Gibson Semmes of Potomac, Maryland died on Saturday, September 7, 2013. Born on March 27, 1923 he spent his childhood in Chevy Chase, Maryland and attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He attended Bowdoin College and Yale University, leaving during his sophomore year to enlist in the Army as a private. In World War II he served as a First Lieutenant and tank platoon commander in the 2nd Armored Division during the Battle of the Bulge. By war's end he had been awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster among other decorations. After the war he returned to Washington D.C. and graduated from George Washington University Law School. Admitted to the bar in 1949, his primary focus was practicing and teaching intellectual property law. From 1950 to 1969 he was a partner in the law firm Semmes & Semmes and eventually started his own private practice. In his free time he was an avid fox hunter and steeplechaser performing in many equestrian events throughout Maryland and Virginia. He also enjoyed golf and tennis as a member of the Chevy Chase Club. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia. He is survived by his three children: Suzanne, Mark (Carol) and Gib (Maura); four grandchildren: Alexander, Isabel, Lee and Ben and his two brothers, Harry Semmes and David Semmes. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Contributions may be given in his memory to Episcopal High School, 1200 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN SEMMES
6 Entries
Rafael Aguilera
October 25, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Semmes passing. Mr. Semmes and his brother David hired my mother, Marta Aguilera, in the 1960's to work at their law firm, Semmes and Semmes. While I don't remember meeting Mr. Semmes or his brother David, I can't begin to tell you the effect this one act of of kindness has had on my entire family all of these years. I wish I would have had the chance to thank Mr. Semmes personally. My condolences to his entire family. The obituary mentioned that his brother David is still alive. I would love to meet Mr. David Semmes and thank him in person for he and his brother hiring my mother all those years ago. The dominoes that were put in motion by this one generous act continues to reverberate to this day. My cell phone number is 703-795-4925.
Reed
October 14, 2013
My condolences to the Semmes family.
Brock Trethowan
October 1, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Gib's death from my cousin Ann Santorelli. My condolences go out to all members of his family. Gib and his brother David were kind enough to allow me to join their firm Semmes and Semmes in Washington DC for a period of six months in 1964 after having qualified as a lawyer in the UK. For me this was a life transforming experience and Gib's kindness and generosity to me were overwhelming. I remember in particular the bright spring mornings when he used to allow me to help him exercise his horses before going in to the office. He was a true gentleman in all senses of the word and I shall be forever grateful to him.
Francie Fite
September 30, 2013
I have such fond memories of Gib, especially during the 1960's, with so many of my close friends being part of the "Semmes and Semmes family" at that time. Gib was always a kind man, and I appreciate reading about his military service in thé lovely obituary in the Post. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and with his brothers.
September 29, 2013
Please accept my sincerest condolences. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Ms Porter
Robyn Packouz
September 27, 2013
What a beautiful remembrance of a life so full of accomplishment and adventure. We love you Maura & Gibby and are thinking of you. Your father must be so proud of you both!
Love,
Robyn, Britt & Bennett
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