John Claude Boone, Jr.

John was born in Lumberton, NC, on August 6, 1939, the son of the late John Claude Boone Sr. and Mary Landis Little Boone. He was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Florence Nooney, Hazel "Jean" Yeargan, Ruth Ann Brannon, and brother Charles Albert Boone.

John Boone honorably and proudly served our country in the United States Air Force as a jet aircraft mechanic of the C-130 Hercules. He loved to fly and could tell you everything there was to know about this aircraft. After serving his country, he started Boone’s Landscaping Nursery Corporation in Wilmington, NC. While operating his business, he and his wife Kay felt God calling them to start a ministry to help reach children in need. In 1993 they started “Save Our Kids Outreach.” What began as a small ministry in Wilmington expanded nationally and internationally to 12 countries. John became an ordained minister; he was awarded chaplaincy through the International Federation of Christian Chaplains, and he was the Assistant Chaplain of New Hanover County Law Enforcement Association.

John had a true heart for evangelism. His greatest desire was for not one to perish but for all to hear and receive the good news of Jesus. He shared the gospel with everyone he encountered and truly encompassed what it means to love God and love others. He was a hilarious comedian with a natural sense of humor who loved to make people smile and laugh. His endless jokes brought so much joy into every moment and to everyone around him. He often would say that the "joy of the lord was his strength" and a "merry heart doeth good like medicine".

He is survived by his wife Kay Coleman Boone, the love of his life for 51 years. He was the best father to his son, John Boone III and wife, Jenny; and his daughter, Gretchen Zuncich and husband, Joe. He was adored and brought much joy to his grandchildren Kaylianna, Caleb, Jacob, Jackson, Jace, Lydia, Ruby, Callie, Sister- in-law Theresa Matthew’s, and grand-dog Milo. No words can express how much we will miss him and the love, joy, fun, and laughter he brought to our family. He adored us all and would always have the perfect words to say that would bring us great peace, strength, and encouragement.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 12:00pm at Northside Church, with the Celebration of Life service to follow at 1:00pm. The interment will follow at Sea Lawn Memorial Park in Hampstead, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Save Our Kids Outreach Inc., P.O. Box 1208, Hampstead, NC 28443.