John "Jack" T. Boese
January 8, 1947 ~ November 26, 2020
John “Jack” T. Boese, of Reston, Virginia, devoted husband of 51 years to Darlene, adoring and proud father to Emily, Melissa (Paul), and Jamie (Stephanie) and beloved “PawPaw” to his five grandchildren, passed unexpectedly on November 26, 2020. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri with his sister, Marilyn, he met his wife in high school (St. Louis University High School) and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1969. He then received his Juris Doctorate in 1972, from Saint Louis University School of Law, magna cum laude, and while there was associate editor of the Law Review.
Jack and Darlene moved to Reston, Virginia after law school and Jack began his nearly 50 year litigation career. He joined Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver, & Jacobson in 1977 after five years in the United States Department of Justice, and he became a partner in 1980. He was a managing partner of the Washington, DC office and co-chair of the Washington, DC Litigation Department from 2001-2005. He was a nationally-recognized "expert" on the civil False Claims Act. Jack authored the book Civil False Claims and Qui Tam Actions, currently in its fourth edition, which has been cited by courts at all levels, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He lectured frequently to private and public groups on civil and criminal fraud issues and taught classes on the False Claims Act at a number of law schools, including American University and George Washington University.
In 2019 he was inducted into St. Louis University School of Law's Order of the Fleur de Lis Hall of Fame. Considered the highest honor from St. Louis University School of Law, recipients are recognized for their professional success, significant contributions to the community, and for bringing honor to the University.
In addition to his success in the courtroom, he was one hell of a Dad and husband. He coached winning and losing soccer teams, packed delicious and disgusting lunches, and never missed a game, play, or concert. His big voice could be heard cheering on his kids in every stage of life, from swim meets, to graduations, to childbirth. He was a true romantic and never missed an opportunity to send Darlene flowers. Jack and Darlene were a partnership for the ages.
Every meal he ate was the best meal of his life. He had a top ten list for everything that would end up as a top 100. He never wanted to leave his house in Reston, but every trip he went on was his favorite. His hugs, his smile, and his laugh were legendary and he lived his life without regrets. One of his friends described him as a virtual contagion of joy. He achieved great heights in his professional life, but remained exactly the same person; the son of a bowling alley owner from south St. Louis.
He was a dedicated fan of all Washington D.C. sports and could often be found following three different sporting events at once. We are grateful to the Washington Nationals for winning the World Series last year, an event that provided him great happiness and sleeplessness. A lifelong and accomplished golfer, he loved playing with his friends, his wife, and his kids and grandkids. In retirement he shared his enthusiasm for life with his friends on the golf course, at breakfast group, and during happy hour.
His big voice, big laugh, and big heart will be greatly missed by his family, his many friends and his extended family members. The family will hold a memorial and celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is working on setting up a scholarship in his name at St. Louis University School of Law.
Here is the current process:
1. Please go to the general SLU LAW giving page: giving.slu.edu/law
2. Select the option "Select the School of Law fund)s) for your gift"
3. In the dropdown that pops up choose “Specify a fund not listed, Other” (second from the bottom of the list) and click SAVE
4. In the "Selected Funds" section, under "Please Indicate a Fund of your Choice" put "JOHN T BOESE" and fill out the remaining information and click NEXT.
5. On the next page, under tribute information - please select "In Memory Of" and enter "JOHN T BOESE"
We want to thank everyone for supporting this. The scholarship Dad / Jack received from SLU School of Law was very meaningful and we are looking forward to providing that opportunity to someone else in Dad's / Jack's name.
If you are interested in updates on the scholarship as we move through the process, please reach out.
**FUNERAL PRIVATE FOR FAMILY ONLY**
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Click to view John T. Boese Funeral Mass
Jack and Darlene moved to Reston, Virginia after law school and Jack began his nearly 50 year litigation career. He joined Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver, & Jacobson in 1977 after five years in the United States Department of Justice, and he became a partner in 1980. He was a managing partner of the Washington, DC office and co-chair of the Washington, DC Litigation Department from 2001-2005. He was a nationally-recognized "expert" on the civil False Claims Act. Jack authored the book Civil False Claims and Qui Tam Actions, currently in its fourth edition, which has been cited by courts at all levels, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He lectured frequently to private and public groups on civil and criminal fraud issues and taught classes on the False Claims Act at a number of law schools, including American University and George Washington University.
In 2019 he was inducted into St. Louis University School of Law's Order of the Fleur de Lis Hall of Fame. Considered the highest honor from St. Louis University School of Law, recipients are recognized for their professional success, significant contributions to the community, and for bringing honor to the University.
In addition to his success in the courtroom, he was one hell of a Dad and husband. He coached winning and losing soccer teams, packed delicious and disgusting lunches, and never missed a game, play, or concert. His big voice could be heard cheering on his kids in every stage of life, from swim meets, to graduations, to childbirth. He was a true romantic and never missed an opportunity to send Darlene flowers. Jack and Darlene were a partnership for the ages.
Every meal he ate was the best meal of his life. He had a top ten list for everything that would end up as a top 100. He never wanted to leave his house in Reston, but every trip he went on was his favorite. His hugs, his smile, and his laugh were legendary and he lived his life without regrets. One of his friends described him as a virtual contagion of joy. He achieved great heights in his professional life, but remained exactly the same person; the son of a bowling alley owner from south St. Louis.
He was a dedicated fan of all Washington D.C. sports and could often be found following three different sporting events at once. We are grateful to the Washington Nationals for winning the World Series last year, an event that provided him great happiness and sleeplessness. A lifelong and accomplished golfer, he loved playing with his friends, his wife, and his kids and grandkids. In retirement he shared his enthusiasm for life with his friends on the golf course, at breakfast group, and during happy hour.
His big voice, big laugh, and big heart will be greatly missed by his family, his many friends and his extended family members. The family will hold a memorial and celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is working on setting up a scholarship in his name at St. Louis University School of Law.
Here is the current process:
1. Please go to the general SLU LAW giving page: giving.slu.edu/law
2. Select the option "Select the School of Law fund)s) for your gift"
3. In the dropdown that pops up choose “Specify a fund not listed, Other” (second from the bottom of the list) and click SAVE
4. In the "Selected Funds" section, under "Please Indicate a Fund of your Choice" put "JOHN T BOESE" and fill out the remaining information and click NEXT.
5. On the next page, under tribute information - please select "In Memory Of" and enter "JOHN T BOESE"
We want to thank everyone for supporting this. The scholarship Dad / Jack received from SLU School of Law was very meaningful and we are looking forward to providing that opportunity to someone else in Dad's / Jack's name.
If you are interested in updates on the scholarship as we move through the process, please reach out.
**FUNERAL PRIVATE FOR FAMILY ONLY**
**PLEASE USE LINK TO VIEW LIVESTREAMING**
Click to view John T. Boese Funeral Mass
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I am so grateful to have known Jack and to have worked for him at FFHSJ. He taught me so much and so much more than about the job. Part of what I learned was to do what I love, regardless of the money, and I’ve done that thanks to a gentle nudge from Jack. He was sunshine and laughter and excellence rolled into one. I am so blessed to have known him. Peter Pearson
Condolences to the Boese family from Gabe and Cindy Imperato. Jack was a professional inspiration for Gabe and he was any man’s friend.
Dear Boese family, I retained Jack on behalf of Adventist Health in 2013-15. He was such a great lawyer and became a good friend. I’m so sad.
Our warmest condolences.
What dreadful, shocking news that one, so special and so full of life like Jack, should be taken from us. Darlene, Stephanie and family, Sally and I are broken hearted. Jack was truly one of the most unforgettable characters we had ever had the privilege of meeting. His jovial, perpetually happy countenance, his “look you in the eye “ specialty when he talked to you, his “I feel like I’ve known you forever” personality, his devotion to his family – and his golfing buddies, his seemingly boundless energy and his own special brand of charm, bereft of self-importance and pretense, made each get together, and the anticipation of that get together, an opportunity for spontaneous joy. He was unique. He was special. He will be missed, terribly. The world is a far more empty place now. We are so sorry for his family, and sorry for ourselves at this deeply shared loss. – Bob
Will definitely miss your jokes, sense of humor and genuine heart \ spirit! Rest in Paradise my friend. Stadford Whitlow
In 1978 I was a rookie lawyer and Jack a senior associate at Fried, Frank. With Milton and Frank at the helm I learned so much but it was Jack who had to deal with my often clueless questions about the practice of law. As the obit says, Jack loved life and I know that he loved the law almost as much; a terrific role model and person. RIP. David Logan
Jack was a wonderful partner and a remarkable human being. My deepest condolences to his family.
With deepest sympathy from the Accenture Payments Team
I was an associate at Fried Frank in the early 1990s. All the associates wanted to work for Jack, so it took me a while to get there. One afternoon we flew to Salt Lake City for a hearing in federal court the next day. We flew in first class, which was packed with Washington lawyers. The movie for the flight (back in the day) was a romantic comedy, and the plot gimmick was a Saint Bernard named Beethoven. All the Washington lawyers pulled out papers and started marking them up with red pens, so I did, too. We were all far too serious about Practicing Law to watch a movie. Except Jack, who was sitting behind me, and who kept roaring with laughter. He finally leaned up and said, “you should get a beer and watch this — it’s great.” I followed the boss’s suggestion. A few years later, he helped me get a Justice Department job. A few years later, he asked me when I was coming back to the firm. Now I’m 61 and know that if you’re very lucky, you get to meet a guy like Jack once in a lifetime. I will hear his big laugh forever. Thanks so much, Jack! To the Boese family, you have my prayers. Will Traynor
Though it has been years since we have seen Jack, he was very much a part of our lives as young parents in Reston. He and Darlene would cheer just as much for all the kids as they did for their own and any event was more fun when they were there. Our hearts go out to your family and please know that your dad will always be fondly remembered by those whose lives he touched. The O’Neill Family
I was lucky enough to get an office at Fried Frank just a few doors down from Jack after he had already “retired.” He never passed by my door without checking in on me, even before we started working on cases together. He had a laugh, a story (or several), and kindness for everyone. I was even luckier to work with Jack on a number of cases, and I learned so many of those unteachable skills by watching him in action. He will be missed greatly, but I know that those of us lucky enough to say that we were his friends and colleagues will be sharing Jack stories for years and years to come. With deepest sympathy, Kayla Kaplan
I worked with Jack from 1990 to 1994, during and then when first out of law school, and then stayed connected for many years as he continued to be a great source of friendship, knowledge, and inspiration. His incredible warmth and enthusiasm were palpable. I will remember him fondly forever. Truly a remarkable person — Mark Koehn (301.717.3226)
Jack was always such a joy to share time with. He will be deeply missed.
With heartfelt condolences, from the GW Law Government Contracts community, who will miss Jack’s knowledge, radiant smile, and boundless energy.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jack will be greatly missed. I relied on him for quirky legal issues and stories of his children and grandchildren. Amanda Barbour
Marilyn be assured of our Prayers and Presence during this time of sadness. ” The Golden Girls” Nurses’ Group.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Thinking of you all. Sending love and prayers. Xoxo.
Dear Darlene: We are saddened by the passing of Jack. We remember all the soccer games and events at Visitation-good times!! Please send our condolences to your entire family. Sincerely, Don and Pat Guter
Little did I know when Jack hired me as his secretary in 1979 that he would become such a big part of my life. For over 30 years, he was so much more than a boss. He was a friend, teacher and when the need arose, surrogate father. He made me part of his family when his children were born and later married. I was so happy when he gave a toast at my wedding. Then when the time came to leave Fried Frank to be closer to home, Jack nicely informed my new boss that he better treat me well. I can’t imagine my life without Jack as a part of it. I’ll miss the booming voice and huge personality. I’ll miss the big smile and great sense of humor. Jack, I love you and I’ll miss you my dear friend. To Darlene, his children and grandchildren, I offer my deepest condolences. May the love of family and friends get you through this hard time. This picture from my wedding sits on my dresser. It is how I will always remember Jack, with a smile enjoying life to the fullest.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Darlene, Emily, Melissa and Jaime- please accept my deepest sympathy for the passing of your Dad. I don’t know if you remember but I babysat the three of you in Reston. One time your parents went to NYC for the weekend and we got locked out of the house like 2 hours after they left. Luckily, the neighbors had a key. Your Dad always made sure I got to the door when he dropped me off after a night of babysitting. He was a very considerate and always had a big smile. Darlene, I will hold you in my prayers. You and Jack made a great team. Love, Gretchen Godici
I have many fond memories of Jack’s boisterous voice and contagious laugh booming down the hall from my office at Fried Frank. He was a great mentor and friend who, despite his success, remained humble. The world will not be the same, but neither will Heaven. My condolences to the family at Jack’s loss. You will be in my prayers. Doug Perry
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. May God help you get through this difficult time & ease your pain- PTSS & CEP Team
The Burkman family is profoundly saddened by the sudden passing of Jack. We were lucky to have met Jack when Emily and our daughter Jorie were classmates. at Hunters Woods Preschool and later at Sunrise Valley Elementary School. Jack’s larger than life personality was always on full display. His presence at swim meets, ski trips, parties, etc made everyone happier. Most recently our interactions were infrequent, but each time we bumped into one another he made me feel like I was a a special friend. Mick, Donna, Jorie, Brent, & Jocelyn
Uncle Jack,You brought laughter and love everywhere you went and to everyone you met. Rest In Peace.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I was an associate at Fried Frank in the early 2000s. I had the privilege of working for Jack, and learned much while doing so. He was a friendly boisterous personality that brought life to the halls. And showed us all how to be good attorneys, and also caring and kind. He made the world a better place by his presence.
Jack was a mentor and a role model to me and so many other lawyers in the bar. He taught regularly in our courses at George Washington University Law School, and I cherished every moment we had with him — he was an extraordinary teacher, a natural leader and a warm and wonderful human being. My deepest sympathy to his family, and my thanks for sharing Jack with us.
I always smile when I think of Jack. Over the last 30 years I have had cases with him, lectured at his events and called him for guidance on tricky FCA cases. He was a great lawyer and a greater friend. The DC Bar has lost a gentle giant. My sympathies go out to his family.
I am so very grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know Jack over the past several years. What a kind and generous person he was. His laugh and smile were contagious. Extending heartfelt condolences at this difficult time to the entire family. With love and fond memories. Ellen Ruja
Charlotte and I have known Jack for only 15 years but it seems like a lifetime. Each day spent with Jack and Darlene was special, filled with stories, jokes and laughter. We will miss our yearly trek to Florida with them. There is a void in our hearts right now, however, we will remember his big laugh and kindness forever. RIP my good friend. Jon and Char
My most sincere sympathies on the passing of Jack: he was “Mr. False Claims” for my law students, who had the honor of being in his classes at American University Washington College of Law’s Summer Health Law and Policy Institute when I was its Director. I admired him so very much. May his memory be for a blessing. Corrine Parver
It was with great sadness that I learned yesterday of Jack’s passing. I had known Jack for over 40 years, since my early days in the late ’70’s at Fried, Frank. Many is the government contracts case that we worked on together. And I remember what fun we had at the office when we “gentiles” held down the fort during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and would watch the Yankees v. Red Sox games in Sargent Shriver’s office. Jack was always cracking jokes, whether it was 3:00 in the afternoon or 3:00 in the morning, but he kept us on our toes. Our deep condolences to his entire family. He will be sorely missed.
The beautiful tributes here are such a wonderful testament to Jack’s many merits, and I won’t repeat what others have already described so well. But I’d like to add that he was an extraordinarily generous man. He was generous about sharing credit, opportunities, and knowledge. I was one of many lucky beneficiaries of that generosity during the 12 years he was my boss and mentor at Fried Frank. Darlene, Emily, Melissa, and Jamie: I’m so very sorry for your loss.
A wonderful service today for a wonderful man. Jack and I started out as co counsel 15 years ago and he soon became a cherished friend. Darlene, you do not know me but I feel like I know you and the kids because of how often Jack talked about family. He loved sharing and telling stories of your many trips and adventures. We often talked about grand kids and golf, loves we both shared. He will truly be missed on our trial team and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Emily, the team is thinking of you during this difficult time. Our hearts and prayers to you and your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time. With love,
I had the pleasure of working under Jack for 21+ years. His Executive Assistant retired this year and he requested me. He wrote “I love Lisa and want to work with her.” His confirmation to me was “Its you and me against the world.” Jack was a legend and the heart of our department. His passing hurts very much. He would bring me refrigerator magnets when he and his wife traveled. I only asked for one but Jack would get me several and then became fascinated with them and started his own collection. I always knew he was in the office because he would start greeting people from the elevator. You didn’t have to see him to know he was present. We love Jack and honor him today and forever. With love and respect, Lisa Jones, Fried Frank.
Jack was an incredible, fully alive human being and a terrific lawyer. He laughed at my jokes with that big, hearty laugh of his.I had the privilege of working on some cases with him. He was a brilliant “lawyers lawyer.” Jack always would take the time to give some good advice when asked. He had such a good time at events with dear Darlene. You always knew if they were in the room and were drawn by their warmth and laughter. He and I were on a team that won a Fried Frank golf tournament one year. He was larger than life. He was a man in full. Bruce J. Casino
Dear Boese family – Please accept my condolences on your loss of Jack. I had the privilege of working with him as an associate at Fried, Frank in the mid-1980s, and your description of his “big voice, big laugh, and big heart” are exactly how I remember him all these years later. He was a wonderful person and a great example for young lawyers.
To the Boese family – we are so saddened by your deep and sudden loss of Jack. The tributes at his service yesterday and the words of his obituary capture the love and respect he earned. Jamie talked of his impact on people and his big personality and above all his love of his family – and Emily shared words he would have treasured – that he gave his children everything they need. He was a good man and devoted one and he will be missed. Please let me know how we can contribute to the scholarship fund in his honor. Tina & Rich
I had the pleasure of getting run over by a golf cart driven by Jack while working at trump national about 4 years ago. Since that time we became great friends and shared many laughs when jack would see me at the golf course. He was atrue gentlemen in every way and I looked forward to seeing him and Darlene when they came to play golf. I still have the bottle of Grey Goose Vodka that he gave me after the golf cart incident. Now I may need to open it and raise a glass in his memory. Steve Bishop
My deepest condolences. I connected with Jack recently to seek his advice for a client in a matter in an area in which he was expert. In speaking to him over the phone I immediately discerned that he was smart, generous and most of all, humble. Despite his well earned reputation as a leading expert in the field of qui tam actions, there was not a hint of vanity. A genuine personality who was eager to help. I regret not getting the opportunity to know him better. Jim Dronzek
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I worked with Jack many years ago at the Dept of Justice (back when he was referred to as “Mr. Boese”). He was a great boss and good man. I am so sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences. Jack will be missed greatly by me and my staff. We loved having Jack for breakfast. I enjoyed his laugh and our talks. He will be missed at Joe’s Cafe.
To a man who brought joy and kindness everywhere he went.
It was pleasure working with Jack at FFHSK in the late 70s. If a client needed someone to draft and file court papers with a moment’s notice, he was just the lawyer to do it! Because of the nature of his work, he often worked late, which meant ordering dinner from the Watergate Hotel. Before placing the order, he’d always say, “Don’t forget to order extra rolls and butter!” Then there were the few occasions when Darlene would bring their kids, all under the age of five, to the office to have lunch with him. Those special times were especially memorable because he would seat them on the other side of his desk and lovingly give them their lunch. The kids, even Jamie, who was still in diapers, were always so well behaved. He was a special person.