John Maurice O'Quinn (1941-2009)
John O’Quinn was a very special human being with extraordinary talents. He embraced the challenges of life, and turned them into positives. He was a man of strength who stood tall for the underserved. John was a modern day “David” in his courtroom battles with “Goliath”.
A quintessential Texan, John was ruggedly handsome with the charm and grace of a nobleman - the practice of law was his life. John came from humble beginnings. While growing up, he worked weekends at his father’s gas station in West University. His passion for cars later evolved into his amazing car collection.
John was most well known for his work on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised. He worked diligently for his tort claimants, those seriously injured persons who had no advocate until he came along. John was sought by people of great influence who needed to know they were being represented by one of the brightest and most determined legal minds in the nation. He was the everyman, for everyone, beloved by many.
John achieved world-class recognition and success beyond measure, but he never forgot where he came from. He loved Houston, and Houston loved him back.
John had no children of his own, yet he donated millions of dollars to the Children’s Assessment Center and several other children’s charities. Through his generosity, buildings, stadiums, and counseling centers throughout Houston proudly bear his name.
John was devoted to the University of Houston, where he was a law student and the editor of the Houston Law Review. He became the benefactor of the O’Quinn Law Library and was appointed to the University of Houston’s Board of Regents by Governor Ann Richards, on which he served for several years. Through his generosity, there was an endowed Chair in Environmental Law, the O’Quinn Great Hall in the Athletics Center, and the O’Quinn Field at TDECU Stadium.
