Dear Khun John,

It was a pleasure to know you. Although we didn’t have many opportunities to meet, I have heard about you through your wonderful wife all along.

Your new journey has now begun. I wish you a safe journey and hope you can leave without any worries. Please know that those of us here will stay by your wife’s side and keep her company.

Your wife is a strong woman. She will get through this, one day at a time.

This is the last goodbye.

Goodbye, Khun John.

John, I was saving this pic for you so we could go find this VW in Lampang together and just talk cars. I'll go do that now for you.

John was a new friend the moment we met in Thailand. I miss him dearly

I was deeply saddened to hear about his passing. I had the privilege of knowing him almost two years ago while I was in South Carolina, and I will always remember him as a kind, wonderful person.

I’m very sorry that I did not know he had been experiencing health problems. It is heartbreaking to hear that he has passed away so unexpectedly.

My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his memory live on, and may he rest in peace.

visited our extended family in Sweden 2023

Hongkong and Macau in 2017 for the Grand Prix.

Thank you for loving me and for a wonderful 20 years together.   You said we had a perfect life together and I could not agree more. I just wish we had more time. I pray that your journey to heaven will be fill with peace and warm. I love you and you will always be in my heart.

Always a pleasure to be around such a happy and vibrant person.  I am grateful to have known John and Aom knows I will always be here for her.

John loved music and always sang along his favorite K Pop bands.

I will always treasure this wonderful memory of a beautiful day by the lake—grilling, laughing, and enjoying time together. His warm smile in this picture perfectly reflects the joy and kindness he brought to those around him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. May his memory be eternal.

May I offer my sincere condolences to Amy Wong for her loss of John"s passing Rest in Peace in the Lord's Kingdom

Our family loves you John. Have a safe journey.We love you.God bless you.

There is many things we share the same interest in, but sweet stuff and cars are the two biggest things.

I remember that sweet stuff is very important for the health-bar that is called ”happiness”, even though we are the sweet stuff we made sure to also exercise afterwards. 

But a fun memory I have is especially oriented with your kindness and thoughtfulness (and silliness), but we were at Publix I remember. There was a special price on the Häagen dazs, and since it’s your favorite - we had to grab ”some”. But we ended up grabbing one of each flavor - because of course we had to find out which one we thought was the best. Of course we told Amy and Cake that we thought of them when we grabbed them just to spare us.

Thank you John for your warm welcoming in to your family. 

You welcomed me with open arms and taught me so many lifelong lessons, and I will always be thankful for that. 

One of the many things that made you a great man was that you were always curious about others point of views on things. One funny thing you always said was ”Hey Alex, how about that one?”, whenever you wanted me to take a look on one of the many cars you showed me.

John and Amy loved working in their garden together. Vegetables and flowers were some of their favorite things to tend to. They would always share their garden bounty with friends. I’d like to think John’s version of Heaven would have a peaceful, beautiful, and serene feel like this tribute art piece I designed. Amy asked me to post it. Hope it brings you positive thoughts and helps during this difficult time.

Knowing John’s sense of humor, and his love for cars, he’d definitely approve of this video. His young, "can-do" spirit will be so deeply missed. Until we all meet again, rest easy, friend.

I was very saddened to learn of John’s passing.   When I last visited, he was running around doing things at home and so full of energy. He offered to cook dinner. I am sad we didn’t stay. You never know the last time is the LAST time. I have known John for about 20 years now. He always had a good work ethic, wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when hard work was needed, and wanted the nothing but the best for his family and friends. He really cherished spending time with his wife, Amy. Often, where you met one the other was soon to follow. We shared many meals and conversations over the years and he was always kind to me.  

To My Dear Friend Amy, they say a person’s memory is kept alive as long as there are still people on Earth that speak their name. So tell John stories, share your memories, and never hesitate to talk about all the wonderful times you two shared. You were there for him through some of the most difficult times in his life, for that I know he was grateful.  Much love and prayers for healing to you and the rest of those that loved and knew him.

We once met, even though we lived worlds apart. May this long journey be filled with peace as you return to God’s embrace. All memories of John Papas will remain in our hearts forever.

We sat in the airplane at the coffee shop and took a selfie together.

Our first trip to Chiang Mai: the airplane café and the Upside-Down House. And our last trip to Krabi province will remain in our memories forever.

Memories of our trip to Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province—the Mexican sunflower fields.

John was kind and caring friend. May you rest in the Lord’s Kingdom.

Your friendship has left a footprint with us.

Enjoying sharing the time with the Lord together at Church. May you rest in peace at his Kingdom.

Food can not describe how much we enjoyed your company.

Enjoy sharing Thanksgiving together. We will miss you dearly.

It saddens me to hear John passed….I have know him for past 30 years…..He was always kind and gentle….I also knew both his parents and they were the same as John…as fine as one can be….RIP John….

Our deepest condolences!  We had such a wonderful time with John in Summer 2023.  He will be missed.  Rest in Peace, John.

At our family gathering here in Thailand, we all miss you, John!

Good memories of John that we will always warmly remember.

Memories of great times and warm hospitality with John, Amy , family relatives and local Columbia area friends.

OBITUARY

John Papas III

October 10, 1959 – September 5, 2026

Dunbar Funeral Home (Devine)

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