John Gram passed away August 25 from autoimmune encephalitis as a result of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. A celebration of his life and the life he shared with Merridy, his soulmate, was held on September 6, their 50th wedding anniversary.
John was well traveled during college and the years immediately following, including stops in Pella, Iowa, where he met Merridy, and Izmir, Turkey, where he served in the Army during the Vietnam War and where the two would marry.
They returned to the states, and John studied law at that other bulldog school, Georgia, and planted roots in Gainsville, Georgia. That’s where where he hit full stride, with his uncanny ability to find the perfect balance between family, community, and work. He was a partner with Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard & Walker since 1974, and his community involvement included Georgia Mountain Food Bank, Boys & Girls Club of Lanier, Good News Clinics, North Georgia Community Foundation, the Salvation Army, and the Elachee Nature Science Center.
“Johnny No Bowls” could often be found eating a bowl-free lunch at 2 Dog Café during the week and enjoying a post-run brunch at Avocado’s on Saturdays. His Sundays were spent with family on walks with the dogs. He was a dedicated father who faithfully roamed the sidelines and filled the stands for all his children’s sporting events, and a mentor and leader in the community. He brought his smile, laughter and positive energy everywhere he went, and that will never be forgotten.