John Robert Bolt

John Robert Bolt was born in Everett, Massachusetts and moved to Arizona with his family in 1959. After graduating from Glendale High School, he moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona, earning an undergraduate degree in Political Science (with high distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi) followed by his Juris Doctorate (with distinction, Order of the Coif).

For nearly 50 years, John was a respected family law lawyer, spending the majority of his career as partner at Donau and Bolt. He was consistently recognized by his peers as one of Tucson’s Best Lawyers, and was known for his legal acumen, integrity, and professionalism.

John was a member of the Pima County Bar Association, State Bar of Arizona, and American Bar Association. He served these bar associations in various capacities and was a former member and Chair of the Executive Council of the Family Law Section of the State Bar and a founding member of the State Bar Advisory Commission for Family Law Specialization. He had been a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1989 and was Past President of the Arizona Chapter.

John had been included in the Best Lawyers in America since 1993 and was named the Best Lawyers’ 2014 and 2016 Tucson Family Law “Lawyer of the Year.” In addition, he had been included in Top Attorneys in Arizona from its inception, Southwest Super Lawyers from its inception, and Arizona’s Finest Lawyers. Since 1988, John achieved and maintained the highest rating (AV Preeminent) given by Martindale-Hubbell.

When not working, John was an avid sports fan always cheering on the University of Arizona, the Celtics, and the Red Sox. He loved to spend time reading, listening to music, gardening, and walking through Sabino Canyon and on the Rillito River Path. Lunches with long-time friends and colleagues were especially meaningful to John in recent years.

John treasured his family most and was treasured in return. He was an extraordinary son, husband, father, brother, and uncle. John leaves behind three children, Michael, Amanda, and Andrew; his wife, Rebecca; and his sisters Janet Stewart and Anna Carl. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marguerite R. Bolt, and brother, Charles S. Bolt III.

John will be truly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. A service will be held on July 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Vistoso Funeral Home (2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley) followed by a Celebration of Life at John & Rebecca’s home. Gifts honoring John may be given to:
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E228232&id=4;
Southern Arizona Legal Aid (SALA)
https://www.sazlegalaid.org/how-to-give/;
or Step Up To Justice
https://www.stepuptojustice.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62a8cf01bb843f4d4a38149a

Click this link to view additional details about John's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/john-bolt