I knew John from Eau Claire high school ROTC and he was the best he was the easy going one when everyone else was so tough :) I just found out when the bulletin was posted to night and it hit me hard. I have been crying ever since. May God continue to be with his familly and close friends who knew him a lot better than me with them losing such a wonderful, fun, amazing, sincere, caring, dedicated spirit.

I remember John from school Eau Claire....we marched on the band together. He was on the drumline, and I was on the flagline. I have sooo many memories of us traveling with the band to places we have never seen or been too....But the back woods if you asked any of us. Us leaving out our rooms just to hang out, and trying to hurry back so we wouldnt get into trouble. lol lol lol......I also remember you and Krista getting into arguements on the bus and her getting mad, and of course us laughing because you guys were soooooo funny. I am like everybody else thinking of that infectious smile of yours. That smile along with that body would light up and room full of women...of course, maybe some men too...who knows now a days. But we unlike most of our class mates didnt lose contact with each other. I always remember one way or another you contacting me thru im on yahoo, or text msg and calling. You always made me feel like we could talk about anything. I'm always going to remember our encourters to Fatz & and some bar you had me at downtown. Lawd knows I dont drink but you did for the both of us. But anytime we were together it was always funnnnn.....and nothing but smiles and laughter. We would have so much fun ppl would be looking at us thinking we were drunk or something. I really hate I never got to see the movie collection you talked about so much. But hey the times we did share are forever cherished! I love you John, and thanks for never judging me, and just listening. You are the last of a dying breed! .....~Shamrocks never die, we just continue to live on thru each other~ Class of 95

He was my first love, simply said, We dated through college and a little while after. We remained close friends after we finally called it quits, lol, but he was always my heart, always had a shoulder for me to lean on, and a smile and laugh for me. He was a huge part of my life, and one of my best friends. I have so many great memories, so many fun times, so many stories, I couldn't begin to tell them all! He was a great guy, a sweet guy, and set a high standard for every guy that came after him to have to meet! And he would always tell me when to drop them and let that go! RIP John, I love you and know you are in heaven watching over me and still being in my business! I miss you!

The first time I met John was the last time I saw him... I would never forget the day James took me down to South Carolina to visit his family, that day was my birthday April 19.... The only memory I have of John was him just being him.. Funny,goofy, crazy in a good way and just plain ol' old school... That night was a night to remember... We all had a great time...I am very thankful and honored to have met such a great man like him... The memories that he shared wit me that day will never be forgotten.... Rest In Peace John and we will meet again....God Bless you and may u watch over us all.... Francine Cruz

When I was a girl, I caught a bird Who was as precious to me as a million pearls. I tried to hold it close to me, but it just wasn’t meant to be I made the choice to let it go, and oh how it hurt me so. But little did I know, this birdie knew which to go. It flew this way, then that way, but it always came back to me. Not for keeps, but just enough to let me know he loved me. I learned to cherish the times we shared, and hid my tears when the end was near. But it didn’t matter cause he was dear to me. When I became a woman, and the birdie became full grown We knew our time wouldn’t be long. For he had a life and I had mine, But it was hard to let go of so much time. Then the day came that I fell in love and oh how angry he was. So I took husband and he pretended strife, but we decided to be best friends for life. I would call on him in the middle of the night, when things just weren’t going right. And he would always be There no matter what, to comfort me and say don’t give up. Now the little birdie is gone away, and there is so much Pain in heart from the space he vacated. I don’t know how to Fill the void, of where there used to be so much love and joy. For more than half of my life, you were my lover, my confident, my friend, I don’t know how to learn to live without you my friend. I let you go so Long ago, but I never imagined our friendship would ever end. And now you are so far away from me, I have only this letter to Express my grief. I know that this you will never see, but I pray that somewhere Out there you know that while ours wasn’t meant to be, the love we shared Was precious to me. The girl at the party (where we 1st met, where we last met) I love you!!

I remember meeting John when we both attended SCSU. We had several classes together and he was always very helpful. Actually, he was one of my study partners and he always pushed me to do my best. We were good friends. He would make me laugh when I was down and he always knew how to brighten my day. He would always have kind words to say, even when he felt otherwise. He was definitely a true friend. I haven't spoken or seen him in about five years, but he was heavy on my mind last week and I did not know why. One of my sorors told me a few minutes ago that John passed. It hit me so hard and I am still coping with him being gone, because of the friendship we shared years ago. I will miss him tremendously and I am glad that my last memories of him were all great. Last week I smiled when I thought about him and now I know that I was smiling because he was one of my angels and now God has him back. I will continue to keep his family and friends in my prayers. God Bless you!!! Yekeia

I just found out that you had passed away from my husband when i callied him last night bovain and my husband larry doye and i was very good friends they where in service together he would always come hang out to the house and have a good time.I could think about how Bovain and Larry would dance an just enjoy them self its been 3years that i have seen him the last time was when larry was at his apt. These memory of him will all ways stay in my heart and mind.You will be missed always and forever .My prayer goes out to your family RIP

I met John freshman year in Freshman sim class and we had another class together in crinimal justice. All this negro wanted to do was dance (the Micheal Jackson Billy Jean video). He was a true trash talker and he did not mind a good challenge. As time progressed and we became friends our friendship really did not begin to take form until our induction into the Masonic family. We became close and the crew became thick as theives. This dude was a gentleman, a gangsta, warrior, trickster and high speed. He never missed being the life of the party and he took pride in being on point. This man was able to be your friend or your worst nightmare at the same time but it was always for the good of the friendship. I remember the days at the Blue House when we would have cook outs any time of day or any day of the week. We were the cook out kings of the Burg. As Kat Daddy begin to take form in this dude life as his alias his image of himself took flight. If you know this negro he was already having an affair with himself but Kat Daddy made him just outright cheat on himself with his alter ego. LOL! I can say this because he was my boy and that is how we got down. The most memorable thing that I take with me each day is that it was his love of women that brought me and my wife together. Not to say I had to put in work to make it happen! LOL! But he was proud of the fact that me and my wife got togher and it happened at his house. He would always tell people especially when he was drinking that "because of my ho-ing around I brought two people together and they are still married." Yeah that is what he said!!! I miss my friend and I know that each day will bring about healing and more memories of our friendship. I will never forget him and I will always pay homage to his daughter, family and his siblings because I know them also. As the years go by and our lives change I will look back on that fateful day and say "hey John (Kat Daddy) you hooka, I sitll have not forgotten how you dipped out on us when we expected you to come through." with a smile and a huge laughter because that was how we got down and talked to each other. I can hear him now saying "Man Dirty F U man you SOB I aint even thinkin bout you!" That is what he would normally say when I come at him like that before we got down into our great debates! Haa! Haa! Much Love Ya boy Dirty!

RIP Pham!

I just heard of his pasing today from his cousin in the store and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew John from B.C High School and we became friends. I lost contact with him until about 2yrs ago. We caught up on old times and talked on the phone often.John was always a perfect gentleman and a caring person. He will be missed by me and many others. My prayers go to his family, my god bless you and keep you strong.

My Memory of John was as one of my ROTC students at SCSU, he was full of energy and provides challenges when ever he came to class. I meet him again as a young marine who had a definite direction in his life. He thanked me for helping him get that direction. I know this is a great loss to the family, he will be missed by all that he has touch. My prayers are with the family as you morn this sudden loss.

I me John through for the first time at cook out through a mutual friend, actually, my sisters line sister and her husband-- they were all good friends. I only interacted with him a few times, yet news of his passing haunted and hurt me immensely. I recall saying as much to someone and their response was: "because he was so likeable..." That's it. Indeed he was. I liked him instantly! The day he passed I was thinking of him earlier that day out of the blue---my goodness. He always had a smile to greet you with, a hug to make you feel welcome, a story to make things lighter. I am not surprised at all that so many people miss him. He appeared to be the friend everyone needs in their life to make it a little brighter and make more sense. I'm thankful to have met him. May he rest in peace.

To The Family and Friends of Mr. John Bovain...........................First and Far most my prayers are with you. John was a guy that always put others before himself. He was a friend that we all enjoyed being aound. When I received an email from friends back home telling me he had died it took a toll on me........John your family of the Calhoun County Hihschool Class of 95 will miss you greatly. Rest IN Peace Lovier Miller

I DONT REMEBER MUCH YOU PERSONALLY BUT I DO REMEMBER THE WAY YOUR BROTHER JAMES LOOKED UP TO YOU AND YOUR GIRLFRIEND IS A FRIEND OF MY SISTERS AND THE NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT HER BEING UP TO 2 IN THE MORNING CRYING WITH HER MY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND KEEP THEM COMFORTED KNOWING THAT YOU ARE SAFE IN HIS ARMS

I remember meeting you with my LS across the street from ym house on Murray Rd. I was instantly drawn to you and you cracked us both up. We became fast friends and thru all the trials and tribulations, remained friends. I hope nobody gets upset by me mentioning this, but, I remember when you went to jail the WHOLE city of Orangeburg was trying to get you out!! I remember how proud I was of you when you told me you joined the Marines and we stayed in contact all these years. For some reason, you were the only one from the Burg I still communicated with on a regular basis. I still have the picture of you in your uniform as my screen saver!!! I will NEVER forget and ALWAYS regret the last time we spoke you told me to meet you at the airport in Dallas and I said you were crazy! That conversation keeps playing in my head and i will always regret it. I know you made it in and I when we meet again you can pinch me for that last conversation! Love Always, Red

He was one the first people I met in the Burg when I got there in 99. I remember him showing the "ropes" of where to go and what to do. He was like a Big Brother. I never had to worry about anything when he was around. I was always guarunteed a good laugh because of him I am continously praying for his familhy and God will bring you all thru. I will always remember you and you will never be replaced. Skee-Phi. Keep looking down on me. I miss you.

Everything we shared was meaningful, real, and worth a lifetime of reminiscence. I will miss you, but I know that God's decisions are not mistakes. The good die young and you were not just good, but exceptional! You were the best friend that many women would die to have. There was just "something" about you. I love you more than words can ever express... I will look forward to meeting you again on the other side. Love you always, Terribia D. Jude

I can not recall ever seeing John without a smile on his face or without something funny, nice, and pleasant to say! He was such a gentleman and he will surely be missed. I can vividly see him on the practice field, and in the bandhall at SCSU with his cutoff sleeves and that tenor drum strapped to him ready to do what he loved, play, march, and dance! I am going to miss that beautiful and handsome smile he always demonstrated, but most of all, I am going to miss John Bovain, the gentleman that GOD so much blessed us with. To the family and friends of John, you are in my prayers. Felicia Funderburk 101 - Squeak '95 SCSU '99

JB, as I called him was a wonderful friend. I first met John in 1999 at Claflin. He was teaching our stepteam some steps. He was a stepping, drum playing, dancing fool!! John had such a big heart. He opened up is home, pockets, and heart to me and so many others. I will never forget the crazy times and the chill times. He was such a handsome young man with a beautiful smile. I wish I had the chance to hangout, or just talk to you before you left us, but now I can talk to you anytime in spirit. To John's family, this is a hard burden to bare, but I know The Lord will comfort you. I have kept you all in my prayers and will continue to do so. From the CU family, miss you bo and rest in peace Mekio, Kia', and Teleia

I knew John from Eau Claire and from day one he was the ladies man! If he didnt get you with that awesome smile then it was the dancing or just his ability to listen. In school John referred to himself as "II Smooth"...lol I know some other ppl on here will remember that too. I lost contact with him after we decided not to move to the ATL and attended Devry so I went on to JCSU and he went to SCSU. But thank God for Facebook because it was there just a few months ago I was able to reconnect with him and I will forever be greatful for that. We had plans to see each other the same week he passed and I hate we didnt get that opportunity but I will see him again one day. Im not sad that he passed because that is a day we all must face. I'm happy that he lived his life to the fullest and made so many great friends.

well I first metJohn @ C.C. and well he was a guy who knew how to have fun and who would equally help out those in his class that may had needed a little help from him.He was a guy who never looked upset about anything no matter how he may felt about it in the inside.Man I'm still in shock by your lost and to the family I'll keep you all in my prayers and know that your son,brother,father,nephew,cousin,etc. was a good guy in and out.R.I.P. man

I must admit that I'm still in shock. It was 3 years ago that John was one of the people that held me up with words of encouragement and friendship when I was mourning the loss of my daughter's father, Craig Canteen, who succumbed also to a motorcycle accident. Man, our memories from SCSU were nothing but straight LAUGHTER!!! I declare John had me cracking up at the smallest things. He always made sure that I didn't stay in the dumps about anything. Truly taking on the role of a brother. From the band trips, to the "spade days" at Truth Hall, to "The Gambinos"...HA!HA!HA! PLENTY of laughter. There was never a dull moment, that's for sure. Our connection and friendship grew even stronger after I went into ministry and we would talk a lot about our purpose and living a life pleasing to God. One thing we certainly had in common was that no matter what, we were serious about God when it came down to it. FA SHO!!! LOL!!! ( I can hear you laughing saying 'TRUE DAT, TRUE DAT') John, I am glad that we kept in contact all this time, but I am sad that you'll no longer be here for me to reminisce with. It hurts my heart to sit here and type, but it is evident that you were a man of character John. And I thank God that I knew you for the length of time that I did. I love you man and know that you will truly be missed. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. To the family, friends and loved ones...you're in my prayers.

He was one of my first friends at SCSU...and later became one of my best friends, period. We laughed (a lot) together and he would always act as if he was going to beat me up whenever I would bring up the fact that he resembled Curious George (he said it didn't fall in line with his Kat Daddy-Ism, lol). As silly as he could be at times, he would be equally serious...He was the first who prayed with me when I learned of my illness and was among those who made the changes in my life easier to deal/live with. I believe we learned a lot from one another through our friendship and I hate that i'm even typing a tribute to him....the world has truly suffered a great loss. As I stay in prayer for your family and daughter, I'm glad to know you "made it in", John...it's pouring outside. Rest In Peace.

I know John from Eau Claire, mostly through the band. Though we didn't keep in touch after high school, we did run into each other occasionally in college (SCSU and Winthrop events). He was a good person and, though I didn't get to know him on a very personal level, I will always remember his smile, him in his SCSU band uniform, his traveling to step shows with his frat, and the wonderful words that were spoken about him by his friends at his homegoing. I didn't think John's passing would have had as great of an effect that it had on me, until I got home, settled in, and just cried. I don't know where the tears came from and why, but they came. But you know, I feel better. I feel relieved. John, thanks for being a part of my life, even if just for a little while. I know you're looking down on us with a smile. Keep smiling. Tameka P.

Well, this is not easy as you know it. John, we've had the best relationship because you're the only guy that i was blessed to have as a friend. When I heard the news of your departure I was truly devastated...still am. The good thing about this is that you are no longer in pain and all of GOD's angels will be able to meet the great guy that i know and will never forget. All my great memories of you, I will keep stored safe in my heart. I love you and will NEVER forget how great and cool of a person you are. Heaven was missing an angel and he was called home. I know GOD will keep you close to him. LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe you are gone. You were such a great guy. The kind of man any woman would have been blessed to have. If anyone ever needed an example of what a man should be, you were it. We lost contact when I moved to charlotte 10 years ago. I'm so glad, God blessed me to see you and have the precious relationship we did even for the short time it lasted. I would have been more devastated to learn of your death after not seeing your for all those years. The memory I will never forget is when we saw each other for the 1st time in 10 years. We were in your rec. room. We had a little to much to drink. We listened to all the old songs you like. James Brown, P-Funk. I mean, you were straight old school. We danced, and I will never forget your version of Salsa you were trying to teach me.....hahahahahah.. ..lmao. It was in that moment I knew I could love you my entire life long. That is what I want to feel when I'm blessed with my mate. Nothing but HAPPINESS!!! RIP!!! I will never forget you as long as I have breathe in my lungs. No man can ever measure up to you. Love Unconditionally

I met John through my sisters at Eau Claire High School in 1992. I knew instantly that John was a true friend. John always remained close to my family and I throughout the years. I am proud to say that I had the pleasure of knowing John and the wonderful person he was(for 16 years). Losing you is something I would have never dreamed of, but knowing that you have gone Home gives me great comfort because you are safe with our Father in Heaven. You have always been a very dear friend and you will be forever missed. Love You Always!! Your Friend, Aesha Harrison (Ish) Eau Claire, class of 96

I had the great opprtunity to know Sgt John Bovain for a short period of time. Sgt Bovain looked out for my administrative needs while I was on medical hold in Camp Lejeune. I always seemed to have issues with my pay or getting my orders in line. Sgt Bovain was always helping me, as a matter of fact he was one of three that actually helped me, for that I am eternal greatful and I look at him with great respect as a man and Marine. To me he was what this world needed, a person who does right by his fellow man even if he only knows a person by a telephone call. May you rest in peace my Brother. 2ballsandacan! SSgt Henderson J.E. USMC (Ret)

I met in John 1991 (17 years ago) at Eau Claire High School. We became steadfast friends and have remained friends throughout our many life changes. We could go two years or more and not see each other and some how he would always find me. I will never forget the good times me, John, and “Mup” (Jeremy) had at his Aunt Betty’s house (The duce). I will forever cherish all the trips to Cherry Point and remember my long rides taking him to and from jump school in Columbus. John was a friend among friends and I will miss him. In Memory: A thousand times we needed you A thousand times we cried If love alone could have saved you you never would have died A heart of gold stopped beating two twinkling eyes closed to rest God broke our hearts to prove he only took the best never a day goes by that you’re not in my heart and my soul. Written by © Kimberly N. Chastain With a heavy heart, Sharri (Huff)- Adams

I met John Bovain my freshmen year through my friend Sonya Snider because he was really good friends with her brother which was one of his frat brothers. From my first impression of John he was a very outgoing individual with so much to offer the world. His charismatic smile and the way he would lit up a room. John you truly will be miss. You may never know how many lives you have touch. Your legacy will live on forever in our hearts.

Kat daddy is truly missed. I remember meeting John my Freshman year at SCSU at one of his barbecues and then at Addie and Margo's five years later. Then we would ALL hang together. We had some really great times. I use to laugh at how he would always say "eu, that's nasty when Kevin and I would kiss." He would either be telling me to leave Kevin alone because he didn't want to kiss me or telling to get off of Kevin and leave him alone. It makes me smile everytime I think of it. I liked when we would go bowling and he and Kevin were always so competitive. John would always have this great excuse when he would lose. I will miss him always calling about coming over to barbecue, or calling and saying" Where's your husband, woman?" Which is how he would begin the conversation. Not Hey, Nieka how are you? Then we may stay on the phone for an hour or so. I was so happy when he changed to Sprint!! Now I see his name in my phone and I just can't bring myself to erase it... John was apart of many brotherhoods:Mason, Alpha, Bongo Brothers, and the Marines. John never passed up an opportunity to let us know that we take the Marines for granted and they have done so much for the country. Well I salute you Marine and your fellow comrades I'm sure will miss you too. It still does not seem real. I really wish I had called him to wish him a Happy birthday Thursday afternoon when I thought about. Don't live life with regrets. Tell your friends you love them and miss them. Stop holding grudges, OBVIOUSLY life is too short. We will miss you John. I encourage everyone to not only lift up ALL of John's family and friends in prayer, but especially his daughter who we all knew had his heart and he loved dearly.

My sisters and I met John @ Eau Claire High School. They marched on the band with him. He was so talented. We hung out alot together and were very close. Once we all graduated we lost contact. Ten years had past since I we last spoke. I often wondered how he was doing. Made several attempts to find him, but was unsuccessful. One day a mutual friend said she had ran into him and he asked for our numbers. I was so happy to talk with him and see the kind of man he had become. He was a person you could respect and look up to. He set the example for the type of man I would want to marry. It bothers me deeply to know you are gone. All I can say is GOD knows everything and he new all those years I thought about you and he made it possible for me to share our moments together. They are my private memories and I will never forget them. Like I told you before, I meant every word I put in writing. I thank God for making it possible and you will always be the example for the type of man I look for in a mate. REST IN PEACE Love Unconditional NYEEMAH

I met John at SCSU. He always had a smile on his face, some tongs in his hands (for turning the meat at the cookouts), and could step his BUTT off. He was such a sweet guy. I'll miss him for his crazy sayings too. He knew how to make you smile and laugh when you should have been crying. Rest in peace, John...

I am deeply saddened by John's tragic passing, I've only known him four (too short years) but in that time he taught me many things. I learned from John how to let my guard down and open up. He showed me that having a wall separating me from the world was not healthy. I learned that men can be your friends, change the batteries in you smoke detectors and put new tires on your car for only a beer and home cooked meal. John taught this city girl how to use a barbeque grill and how not to be afraid of the great outdoors. For better or worse we spent many Sundays watching "Flavor of Love" and he turned me on to "America Next Best Dance Crew" Needless to say, I am going to miss the "I need a place to crash," "What ya cooking for dinner can I stop by" or "Got a new movie come over" phone calls. I am going to miss the "Do you need anything from the store" and the "I know Adam is not home come hang with me at Applebee's" phone calls. I am going to miss beating him at WII bowling and watching him and Adam play WII golf. I am going to miss the way he danced with me on the back deck, and the way we would talk about the bible, but most of all I am going to miss the way he made me laugh. Rest in Peace John Bovain (Skee Phi).

My family and I had the pleasure of meeting John while we were stationed at Cherry Point, NC. John became a part of our family. He will truely be missed.