I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff within the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout Jefferson County on Thursday, June 4, 2026, to honor the service of former State Senator John E. Amari who passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the age of 77.

The son of Sicilian immigrants, John Amari was a native of Jefferson County, growing up working alongside his family on their farm and at the beloved Huffman Curb Market. He graduated from Banks High School in 1966, where he was a state champion wrestler. He attended the University of Montevallo, graduating with honors. Subsequently, he earned his law degree while on the law review at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. In 1974, he founded the Amari Law Firm and began a legal career that would span more than five decades and impact countless families throughout Alabama. John’s passion for helping people soon led him to public service. In 1978, he won election to the Alabama House of Representatives, for which he credits the victory to being Mae and Joe’s son from the curb market. In 1982, he was elected to the Alabama State Senate, where he served for more than sixteen years. John had a rare ability to make complicated issues understandable. No matter what bill was being debated, he could somehow connect it to a story about his family, his childhood, or someone he had met along the way. Secretaries and staff members often slipped into the gallery just to listen. In 2008, John was elected as District Judge for Alabama’s 10th Judicial Circuit, where he served the community for another decade. Republicans liked him. Democrats liked him. Judges respected him. Lawyers trusted him. Constituents believed in him. Complete strangers somehow found themselves telling him their life story within minutes of meeting him. His accomplishments were impressive. The man behind them was unforgettable.

Accordingly, I authorize all flags may be flown at half-staff throughout the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and within Jefferson County from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the day of former Senator John Amari’s interment.