John Robert Thomas Karam

John Robert Thomas Karam a 1986 graduate of New Bern High School left his beloved earth on February 26, 2022 after a long hard struggle with a blood disease. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1990 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and later with a Masters of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.

When John was in St. Paul’s School he began designing energy saving homes for which he received awards in many Science Fairs. Architecture was his life with his father. After all, he had practiced with Lincoln Logs and Legos from age two.

John was the son of the late Thomas Anthony Karam, a local successful builder and developer and Marion Evans Karam, a retired North Carolina English teacher and unpublished writer. He is survived by his sisters, Karol Karam Howell (Philip) of Pamlico County and Cynthia Karam Eliott (Bill) of Georgia; his nephew, Brandon Evans Stilley of Morehead City; his niece, Summer Stilley Rollins (Joshua) of Anderson, South Carolina and the fantastic Karam Klan of North Carolina, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, and California.

John loved the outdoors and most sports. He played football and baseball at St. Paul and ran track at New Bern High School. Camping, canoeing, kayaking, touch football, water skiing, and “the beach” were other loves. But! Cars were the best.

Recently he had almost completed a restoration of his old red Alfa Romeo. He was amazing with his projects, ordering parts from Europe and installing them perfectly while he was mostly isolated with the shortage of red corpuscular.

Modern architecture was John’s specialty. High rise hotels and condominium plans are still posted on walls in his home along with stacks of floor plans for beach homes and bed and breakfast all over his desk even today.

Christmas was John’s favorite holiday especially when he lived on the Trent River. His lights on a nine foot tree was phenomenal with sparkling handmade ornaments and lots of presents under the tree. Yes, John liked to have parties and entertain his many cousins and friends all over the country. Many even adored him. We all miss him, especially his friends and mother during football season.

A wonderful son, he was also more than willing to help those in need of projects, repairs, chores, advice and even just listening to problems or complications.

His life will be celebrated at St. Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Funeral Mass will begin at noon officiated by Reverend Father Thomas Tulley, followed by interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Thank you to all relatives, friends, and acquaintances who knew and loved John and have contacted members of his family. Your condolences, calls, and gifts are greatly appreciated.