John Bouma

Prominent Arizona attorney John Bouma, a partner and former chairman of Snell & Wilmer law firm, died Tuesday night January 22, 2019. After graduating from the University of Iowa law school in 1960, Bouma served as a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista. Frank Snell, one of the founders of Snell & Wilmer, hired Bouma in 1962. Snell & Wilmer appointed Bouma chairman in 1983, and he led the firm for 32 years, helping to expand it beyond Phoenix. John Bouma's practice is concentrated in complex commercial litigation, including antitrust, commercial and business torts, professional malpractice defense and alternative dispute resolution. University of Iowa (J.D. 1960) University of Iowa (B.A. 1958) Valley of the Sun United Way, Board of Directors (2004-present) Valley of the Sun United Way Foundation, Board of Directors (2006-2011) Partnership for a Drug Free America, Arizona Chapter, Board of Advisors, Founder (2002-present) Arizona Equal Justice Foundation, Co-Founder, Co-Chair (2001-present) Greater Phoenix Leadership (1998-present), Board of Directors (2013-present) Phoenix Art Museum, Board of Trustees (1994-2000, 2002-present), President (1996-1998) Arizona Opera Company, Board of Trustees (1986-2001), President (1989-1991) Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors (1988-1996) Arizona Economic Council, Board of Directors (1989-1993) Wildlife for Tomorrow (formerly Foundation for the Conservation of Arizona Wildlife), Founder, Board of Directors, President (1990-1998) Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Board of Directors (2010-2014) Phoenix Community Alliance (1991-2011) Mountain States Legal Foundation, Board of Litigation (1977-1995) Institute for the Support of Educational Excellence, Board of Directors (school-industry project) (1985-1990) Phoenix Human Relations Commission, Chairman (1973-1975) Maricopa Legal Aid, Board of Directors (1969-1975)