06/22/2026
The New Orleans Opera Association mourns the passing of Jonathan McCall, a cherished friend, benefactor, and board member whose impact of the overall cultural landscape of the Crescent City will be felt for generations.
A tireless volunteer, he lent his wisdom and patronage to causes across the local philanthropic spectrum, yet Opera—and New Orleans’s role as the birthplace of the great art form in North America—held a passion close to his heart. For multiple terms, Jonathan McCall served on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Opera Association, providing thoughtful guidance during periods of both celebration and challenge. Whether attending performances, welcoming patrons, or participating in planning discussions, Jonathan brought a steady presence that inspired confidence and trust among those who worked alongside him. Past NOOA President Ted Martin perhaps summed it up best when he said, “Jonathan was a rock and could always be relied on to help us make reasonable decisions.”
Colleagues regularly sought Jonathan’s counsel, knowing that he grounded his advice with careful thought, experience, and a genuine desire to advance the organization. Reflecting on his contributions, former NOOA President Dwayne Littauer said, “I am saddened to learn of Jonathan McCall’s passing. Jonathan was a generous supporter of the New Orleans Opera Association and a long-standing board member who unselfishly provided the opera his great intellect, sound judgement, and good wisdom. We will miss him greatly.”
Jonathan also demonstrated an epic appreciation for history, language, and scholarship. NOOA Board Member and Treasurer Scott Howard reflected on this aspect of Jonathan's intellect, noting, “Alongside of his diverse music interests, avidly attending symphony and chamber music concerts, Jonathan had a profound expertise in – and love of – classical languages, Greek and Latin. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had read every surviving text of the ancient authors.”
His broad interests and deep knowledge made him a fascinating companion and a valued contributor to many civic and cultural institutions. In addition to his work with NOOA and organizations such as Friends of Music, Jonathan served as Chairman of the Board of the Greater New Orleans Educational Television Foundation (WYES-TV), chaired the board of Tulane University Hospital, and held leadership roles with numerous community organizations, including the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter.
Those who knew Jonathan personally often speak first not of his accomplishments, but of his character. He embodied a quiet strength, unwavering commitment to his community, and a deep sense of responsibility to the institutions he served.
Current NOOA President Jay Gulotta shared a particularly poignant reflection, “I've known Jonathan for over fifty years—from law school, law practice, and civic work, most recently from our shared membership on the board of the New Orleans Opera Association. At this moment of loss to our community occasioned by his recent death, my most vivid memory of him is of our first reunion upon my return to the City from my brief evacuation in advance of Hurricane Katrina. In his most earnest, natural and laconic manner so characteristic of him, Jonathan mentioned that he never left town. It was as if he were Martin Luther telling me that, of course, he could do no other. Or at least, that evacuating was not something that ever would have occurred to him. Now, despite his departure from our earthly realm, I know that our memory of his strength of character will endure among us and sustain us—for we cannot imagine our home without him.”
A strength of character equally demonstrated throughout his nearly half of a century practicing law, as Chaffe McCall Managing Partner Doug Holmes reflected, “Jonathan embodied the very best of our firm. As both an exceptional lawyer and a member of one of Chaffe McCall’s founding families, he carried forward a tradition of excellence while remaining approachable, generous, and deeply committed to the success of others. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. His integrity, professionalism, and collegiality throughout his career left a lasting mark on our firm and on the countless attorneys who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
The New Orleans Opera Association expresses profoundly gratitude for Jonathan McCall’s years of dedication, friendship, and unwavering support. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all fortunate enough to know him. His voice, counsel, and presence will be deeply missed, yet his influence on our organization and on the cultural life of New Orleans will continue to inspire for years to come.
While no formal services are planned, we encourage those whose lives were touched by Jonathan to take a moment to reflect on his many contributions to our organization and community.
