Obituaries

John Louis Gianoulakis, distinguished St. Louis trial lawyer, died on September 18, 2024, at age 85, from complications of Parkinson’s.

A native of St. Louis, John attended Stix School, Southwest High School, and Washington University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1960. He earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1963.

After returning to St. Louis, John entered the private practice of law, ultimately co-founding Kohn, Shands, Elbert, Gianoulakis & Giljum, LLP (now Shands, Elbert, Gianoulakis & Giljum, LLP. He had a distinguished career as a prominent trial and appellate lawyer representing public and private corporations, public school districts, individuals, and law firms. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

He served the St. Louis community and the State of Missouri in many ways, including leadership roles on the University City School Board, the Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Board of Directors, the Washington University Alumni Board of Governors, the Washington University Board of Trustees, and the Board of the Spanish Lake Community Association. He was also an involved alumni member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

John was an avid golfer and sports fan. He and Dora travelled throughout the United States, including a memorable family trip following the Oregon Trail. They explored all the continents, including the Brazilian Pantanal, birding and golfing in Ireland, birding in South Africa, and birding in Antarctica.

John is survived by Dora, his wife of over 52 years, children Candlin Dobbs (Todd Manley), Christopher (Mindy) Gianoulakis, Kia (Guy) Meyers, grandchildren Micheal Gianoulakis, Nichole (Ronny) Record, and Kira Mae Meyers, great-grandchildren Riley and Rosie Record, sister Stavra (Joe) Bayer, nephews Louis Gianoulakis, James Gianoulakis, Joe Jr. (Theresa) Bayer, and their children Joey and Adrienne Bayer. He is predeceased by his first wife, Louise Marotta Gianoulakis, and his brother, Christopher Louis Gianoulakis.

Services: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 12:30 p.m. at The Gatesworth in University City. Reception to follow. Valet parking available. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Spanish Lake Community Association or the ACLU Foundation.

Please visit https://bellefontainecemetery.org/obituaries/john-louis-gianoulakis/ for more personal remembrances of John.