Bob St John

Bobby Joe (Bob) St. John was born in Decatur, Alabama on July 16, 1937 to Enoch James St. John and Jayme Tanner St. John. He grew up fishing, playing football and admiring the accomplishments of his older brothers Paul and Ralph. Bob’s extended family was very important to him, and he often spoke fondly of his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews. He graduated from Decatur High School and began college in Florence, Alabama before transferring to the University of Alabama from which he graduated in 1961 as a Civil Engineer. Bob joined the Alabama Army National Guard as a seventeen-year-old and attended the Alabama Military Academy’s second Officer Candidate School class, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant. He served for 12 years and left the military as a Captain and Company Commander of an Armor Company in Leeds, Alabama.

His first job out of college was with the Alabama Department of Transportation where he earned a Postgraduate Certificate and worked on the Red Mountain Geological Cut, which connected Birmingham with its suburban areas to the South and would become a National Natural Landmark.

While at the University, he met Lottie Campbell whom he married and with whom he celebrated 64 years of marriage. Moving around the Southeast as he opened and rehabilitated offices for Law Engineering and Testing Company, Bob and Lottie created a loving and supportive family that grew to two sons and a daughter and one remarkable dog. After returning to Alabama in 1978, Bob and his business partners founded Ground Engineering and Testing, the first of several engineering-focused businesses he led. In 2006, as he slowed his professional schedule, he was named a Distinguished Engineering Fellow of his alma mater, the. University of Alabama.

He was an avid golfer, fished anytime he got the chance, and loved watching Alabama play football. But Bob’s passion was all about foundations; strong foundations for buildings, for his loved ones, and his strong foundation in his Faith that was displayed as he treated everyone he met with respect and kindness. On September 13, 2025, Bob went home to be with his parents, his brothers, and his other family members who preceded him. He is survived by Lottie, his sons Jim (Julie) and Eric (Su), and his daughter Jennifer. Bob cherished his Grandchildren, Dr. Jessica Cockrell (Steven), Allison St. John, Sam St. John (Lane), and Zoe Reid St. John, and his Great Granddaughter Rory Cockrell. They all gathered on October 9, 2025 in a private service at Elmwood Cemetery to celebrate his life and the foundation he provided for their happiness and success.

Services were under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood, Alabama.