Godbold, John Cooper Born March 24, 1920, in Coy, AL Died December 22, 2009, in Montgomery, AL Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Nominated by Lyndon B. Johnson on June 28, 1966, to a seat vacated by Richard Taylor Rives. Confirmed by the Senate on July 22, 1966, and received commission on July 22, 1966. Served as chief judge, 1981-1981. Service terminated on October 1, 1981, due to reassignment. Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Reassigned on October 1, 1981, to a new seat authorized by 94 Stat. 1994. Served as chief judge, 1981-1986. Assumed senior status on October 23, 1987. Service terminated on December 22, 2009, due to death. Education: Auburn University, B.S., 1940 Harvard Law School, J.D., 1948 Professional Career: U.S. Army major, Division Artillery Headquarters, 1941-1946 Private practice, Montgomery, Alabama, 1948-1966 Director, Federal Judicial Center, 1987-1990 Professor of law, Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, 1990-2009 Research Collections