Abel John McNamara was born on June 9, 1936, in New Orleans Louisiana. He went to Jesuit High School before attending LSU, from which he received a bachelor’s degree for the sciences in 1959. Judge McNamara served in the Navy from 1959 until 1962. Thereafter, Judge McNamara began a successful career as an engineer. His brother, who was studying law, convinced Judge McNamara that he too should go to law school, rather than continuing his occupation as an engineer.

In 1966, Judge McNamara began his legal career as the bailiff and law clerk to Judge Herbert W. Christenberry. After receiving his law degree from the Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 1968, he started a private practice in New Orleans. In 1976, he was elected for one term as a State Representative for Jefferson Parish. On May 5, 1982, President Ronald Reagan nominated Judge McNamara to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. He was confirmed by the Senate on June 18, 1982, and received his commission three days later.

Judge McNamara was respected widely for his humility and competence. His longtime friend Judge Peter Beer lauded him for being “unusually competent, reasonable, and efficient.” He served as Chief Judge from 1999 to 2001, before assuming senior status. He remained as a senior judge until June 1, 2011, when he retired due to ailing health. He passed away on December 2, 2014.

Sources:
https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/mcnamara-.-j.
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2014/12/retired_judge_aj_buddy_mcnam...