C. John Bourne

C. John Bourne, 73, of Boca Raton passed away March 1, 2017 after a battle with cancer.  He is survived by his beloved wife Jean, daughters Jenny and Christine, son-in-law Doug and two granddaughters Gal and Coral.  Born in West Orange, NJ, John’s family moved to Grosse Pointe, MI where he was raised with younger brothers Ronald and Richard.  After graduating from Western Michigan University, John first indulged his passion for aviation by working for American Airlines, and then began a career in apparel that would take him all over the world, introduce him to friends who became family, and eventually lead him to meet Jean, his beautiful wife of 39 years.

John and Jean married and settled into the vivacious community of Boca Raton in 1978.  They each had stores in Royal Palm Plaza, John, alongside his best friend George, ran Danby’s Store for Men, and Jean ran EJ Bourne with John’s mother Edith.  They welcomed their first daughter Jennifer in 1984 before moving to Downingtown, PA in 1986 where they welcomed their second daughter Christine.  There, John worked for Eagle’s Eye where many coworkers became lifelong friends.  In 1993 the Bourne family returned to Boca Raton, so that John could help blaze a trail for the revival of the Lilly Pulitzer brand.  John enjoyed his profession, making it look easy and always with an element of class and old school charm.  In the same year, Jean was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a struggle that would gravely affect the entire family.  Regardless of the challenge, John ever remained the strong, capable head of the Bourne family.  He became more than just Jean’s husband and best friend, but her steadfast caregiver.  Standing by her in the toughest of times, his unwavering devotion to Jean was beyond admirable as he continued to juggle work and caregiving until the end of his life to provide her with the best care possible.

John was many things to many people.  An amazing husband, a wonderful father, loving grandfather, and a sensational friend.  An engrossing storyteller, he could tell the same story to you twice (or a hundred times) and you would listen because the way he spoke was so captivating.  A mentor, whose integrity was felt by all those who sought his vast knowledge.  A generous host who loved entertaining; John appreciated a good vodka martini, preferably on the rocks with an olive, and could often be found sipping one at “family" dinners.  A true gentleman, who commanded respect without ever having to ask for it.  No matter what John was to you, it is an undeniable fact that his absence will be felt, his memory will be cherished, and he will be sorely missed.

We would like to invite you to join us for a memorial service at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton, FL on Saturday March 11th at 4pm.  In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to a fund created to help with Jean’s ongoing care www.gofundme.com/john-bourne-memorial-fund?pc=sms_db_co2876_v1
 

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