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John Head Obituary
08/29/1953 - 12/11/2023
JD Head passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023, after a long struggle with cancer, with his loving wife, Debbi, by his side.
JD was born in Houston, Texas on August 29,1953, to Jane (Arnold) and Jack D. Head. He was a graduate of Stanford University and the University of Texas Law School. JD began his practice of environmental law at Vinson & Elkins Law Firm in Houston before moving to Austin to serve as Director of the Legal Division and General Counsel of the State of Texas' environmental regulatory agency. Later, JD became a senior partner at Fritz, Byrne, Head & Gilstrap, PLLC. He has been recognized by Texas Monthly as a "Super Lawyer" in the environmental area since 2006, in Best Lawyers in America for many years, three times being named "Best Environmental Litigator" for the Austin area and "Lawyer of the Year, Environmental Litigation", Austin, for three years.
A lover of the water, JD enjoyed fly-fishing in the northwestern states, surfing in northern California, Hawaii, Costa Rica and the Baja Peninsula, followed by nighttime campfires with his surfing compadres. He also enjoyed swimming in Deep Eddy Pool and Barton Springs in Austin. JD enjoyed reading, traveling overseas and relaxing at his home on the Oregon coast.
JD was predeceased by his parents, Jane and Jack Head; and his beloved brother, Joe Head. He is survived by his sisters,...; Lisa Head, Lannie Whatley, her husband, Don and their children,...; Bart and Joshua Whatley and Donna Furrh, Julie Thurmond, her husband, Bob, and their children, Robert Thurmond and Caroline Eickelbeck. He is also survived by numerous great-nieces and nephews.
His family wishes to thank his friends and colleagues for their countless acts of kindness to JD during his illness.
At JD's request, there will be no service. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in JD's memory to Marbridge Foundation, PO Box 2250, Manchaca, Texas 78652-9903, will be greatly appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Head
2 Entries
Bryan Bruner
February 9, 2024
I just learned of JD´s passing. We lost a great one. I met JD when a mutual client hired him for a big environmental case in Austin, and of course, he was a superb counselor and managed to get our client out of the mess he was in. JD took me water sking on Lake Austin after a deposition one day and we had a blast. He was a great man.
Maude Carter
January 7, 2024
A good man always. I remember "the old days", all you guys at our house......
Maude Cater
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