today, and for the past couple of weeks,  I’be been thinking about John and all the wonderful memories we made in the brief time I knew him. he was sweet, talented, intelligent, always knew exactly what to say to make me laugh or smile. he was one of the brightest lights in my life and I’ll never forget how in love with him and his smile I was and always will be. in another life, I’d hope to see him again. nearly 5 years later, and my heart is still consumed with endless love for him. he was one of the best people i’ve ever met, and that remains true to this day. I love you, John. 

It is currently the middle of the night and for the first time in many years I am listening to an album me and Jake and John would always listen to. For a very long time I couldn’t listen to our favorite songs because it hurt so badly. It still hurts, but now I can listen and just put myself back in that place because those were the best days of my life. Jake and I still talk about John so often and it’s always something that cracks us up. There is not a single bad memory I have with John. It was all amazing and all so much fun and I am very thankful I was able to be apart of his life. John was and forever will be one of my absolute best friends and I miss him every single day. 

Dear John and family,

Words cannot express the feelings of grief from losing a loved one. John Jr. is just a beautiful young man. Although we did not meet him, we can tell he is such an amazing soul full of life and energy. Our family sends our love and condolences to you in this time, wishing you all peace and serenity. John Jr. is in our hearts forever and is being lifted up. We love you all and are thinking of you.             
~ Dena, Dwayne, Ryan and Zack (Sandy/Laviolette family)

This photo shows John seeking adventure to create a more beautiful life around him this summer. He didn't find the kind of rocks we were looking for that day, so instead he picked up a cactus to bring to his roommate, he was always one to take care of his friends, he had been that way since high school. He was always open to sharing his hopes and fears, and kept trying to succeed at making people around him happy. Prayers for his soul and his family.

John will be so missed by our family , a truly wonderful soul❤️

John and Renee,
My heart breaks for you two. I am so very sorry for your loss. I never met your son but I appreciate the stories you told me when we were chatting in the diner. My thoughts and prayers  are with you and your family. 

I am so heartbroken for the entire Rahaim family. I’ve known John’s dad since we were in kindergarten together. I was so excited when they decided to have Taylor and John attend Hendricks Day School where I worked and my children attended. I am praying for peace at this unbelievably hard time. Love to you all. 

I have so many great memories of John that it is hard to pick a few to share here.  There was never a dull time with him.  My mind keeps re-playing every day after school when John,  Jake and I would drive home together, screaming lyrics to songs and joking around.  I can still hear him calling me 'aloe'. I can still see Jake and I fighting to see who got the window seat in John's truck. John is such a huge part of our heart's and home and that will never change.  

John & Renee, 

Our hearts go out to you and your extended family during this time.    Words can not express the sympathy we feel over the passing of your son John.   Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers.    And we are always available down the street for whatever support needs you may have, including a shoulder to lean on, a hug to give or an ear to listen.   

God Bless,
Paul & Diane

We are so very saddened to hear of the passing of John and his wife’s son. We wish you peace to bring you comfort in the coming days.  With deepest condolences and many prayers for John, Renee and the entire Rahaim family. 

Tie-Dye and bandanas, the John who stole my heart and was one of the most amazing friends my sons and I will have ever had.  

The many nights of up playing video games until the sun peaked in eating cold Pizza Hut pizza and then do it all over again.   

Our raging infernos  to keep us all warm under the live oaks during the springs in Suwanee.  One morning John was wiggling around in his hammock and it was slipping down the tree, when his bottom hit the dirt he jumped out – “I’m up” and we all laughed at his half asleep humor and almost militant stance – just chill dude!

John’s home – chilling where he is free from all that binds us to this earth.  Free to speak with a whisper and be heard, to paint the skies with hippie colors and psychedelic patterns he loved.  As for me, I'll be watching for the whimsical signs that could only be him and know he’s sending his sincere regards.  

John, I’m going to miss him, but I’ve got a pocket full of memories and they’re not going anywhere.

I love you “Son #3” - you'll always have a key!


John was one of my best friends during elementary and middle school. His infectious personality could light up a room. Through all the days hanging out at his house after school to all the birthday parties and sleepovers he was just so fun to be around. From vacations in long boat key to sports and in class, John was a great friend. I can remember the years at RPDS where I couldn’t wait to head over to John’s house after school and run around outside or build legos or play video games. He was such an energetic personality, when I was with him I couldn’t help but feel happy. Through the dozens of memories I have with John he was always so kind, caring and thoughtful. I will cherish our years of friendship and the memories we share. To the Rahaim family, thank you for all the good times with John. I will never forget them. Sending you love and prayers during this time.

John was a very special friend to my daughter, Madison, in middle school. She would always tell me how funny & creative he was & the silly inside jokes they came up with. Middle school was not an easy time for our daughter, but John’s friendship and ability to always make her laugh made her days a little brighter.  I’m so thankful to him for that. Our deepest sympathy, love & prayers to your family. 

John was a very big part of the summer between my sophomore and junior year of high school. Him, Jake, Hanna, and myself would all spend time at Johns house and his parents were always so kind to us. I remembered one day I slept over there, and I was supposed to have gotten up early and take the bus to Georgia. We all overslept and John actually offered to drive me to Valdosta where we could meet my mom and she’d take me from there, and we had so much fun on that two hour car ride. John was always so kind and thoughtful, we actually were hanging out the day before he died but he seemed so normal. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss, they raised such a generous and artistic young man. All my prayers go to the Rahaim family.

I was John’s Spanish teacher at Hendricks Day school during 6th, 7th and 8th grade. John was quiet, easy going and so respectful in my class. I remember John smiling every time I called him “Juan”. His parents were always so supportive and actively involved in John’s education. My deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time.

John, Renee, Taylor and wonderful Rahaim Family - Ed and I are devastated to learn about the loss of your beautiful Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin.  Please know that we are thinking of you as you grieve.   We offer our condolences, prayers, and love to you all. 
Sheila ONeil




I had the opportunity to teach John social studies during 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, as well as coach him in Track and Field.  John was always smiling, kind, and a joy to be around.  My fondest memory of him was watching him run the 4x100 at a track meet.  In school John always took his time getting from point A to point B, but on the track he was a completely different person.  The first time I saw him run, I was taken aback at how fast he was!  John and the Rahaim family will always have a place in my heart.  My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you all.

My heart goes out to the entire Rahaim family.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I was lucky enough to work with Taylor and John at Hendricks Day School as their tutor for many years. John's passion for learning was infectious until the word, math, was spoken.  His beautiful smile dimmed and his shoulders hunched, but John was too polite to complain.  One summer, John was working harder than I had ever seen.  I was so excited and always expressed that to his mom and dad. The last day of summer tutoring, both John and Renee had a twinkle in their eyes as they were about to say goodbye and gently let me know that he was paid to come and see me. What a laugh we shared!  My prayers are with your family and may God hold John in the palm of His hand.

I taught John math At Hendricks Day School. He was one of my first students and I remember him as a quiet, polite young man with a wonderful smile. He worked hard in class and had a great attitude. I remember how supportive and caring the Rahaim family was and my prayers are with you. He will be missed. 

I was John’s science teacher at Hendricks Day school. To know John was to know his enormous smile. It was a beautiful sight to see in my classroom. He was such a smart young man who despised written text but loved to learn. I would conference with him, and he also knew the material.  If you made him write, you would be lucky to read a sentence or two. Ask him to tell you, and he could tell you everything you taught. In those moments, I learned about his sense of humor.  John was a respectful and kind student, and I loved being his teacher and getting to know the Rahaim family. I will continually lift you in prayer.  Pictured: John in 6th grade working on cell project 

I heard stories of John through my daughter when she came home from spending time with Taylor when they were all in elementary school.  He was the typical little brother but more kind, generous and entertaining.  One of these entertaining moments I was present for, as both families gathered for a meal. John smiled, looked away, and then smoothly yawned and extended his arm behind my daughter's chair/around her shoulders.  He beamed with his success. His smile was contagious.  I am so sorry for your loss, Renee, John, and Taylor.  


I am heartbroken to hear about John. He was in my class at HDS and I have very warm memories of a sweet young man and a kind and caring family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these very difficult days.

I was privileged to teach John Language Arts and was also his academic advisor.  I remember discussing my belief in his natural aptitude for literature with him, which he was shocked to hear about because I do not believe he realized his talents.  He could comprehend complex texts with ease, which he may have thought everyone was able to do, but that is definitely not the case. One perfect example I remember was when we were reading To Kill a Mockingbird and I had the entire class silently read the obscurely-written passage where Scout and the other children were observing Mr. Avery. I decided to make it a competition to see which student could figure out what Mr. Avery was doing first.  I scanned the class, but I knew John was going to find the answer first.  I saw the recognition and smile on John’s face as he read independently, understanding before all his peers that Mr. Avery was skilled at urinating great distances.  He didn’t raise his hand, but I called on him to share his answer, which he did.  After class, I told him that it was yet another example of his natural talent for literature, to which he responded with a half-smile and shrug in his typical fashion.  I hope he understood how much I believed in him and will continue to believe in him.  This is just so tragic. It breaks my heart.  He was one-of-a-kind who never tried to be like anyone else, which is impressive in Middle School!  John had one of those smiles that made you feel like you won an award when it was directed at you.  I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with him and he will always have a special place in my heart.  My deepest condolences to the wonderful Rahaim family.  John and Renee, I always enjoyed meeting with you and admired your approach to John, which was filled with love and a deep acceptance and appreciation for who he was as a person.  You are fantastic parents and people. I will be sending love and continual prayers to you and all your family.

John was there for almost every fond memory I have of high school. He taught me a lot about being myself and not caring what others thought of me. He always pushed me to take chances and do better than I had. He was a great friend and I will very much miss the 2am runs to Denny's or Krispy Kreme with John. Taylor, and Mr. and Mrs. Rahaim, I'm very sorry for your loss. 

John, Renee, Taylor, John, Sarah and the entire Rahaim Family- Sending you love and prayers as you hold John’s memory in your hearts.  May God wrap you in his arms and provide you comfort.  

Funeral Service

Reception following the Service

John is survived by his parents, and his sister Taylor. He is also survived by his paternal grandparents Dr. John and Sarah Rahaim, his maternal grandparents, Jack and Rebecca Kempton of Vero Beach, Fl; his uncles and aunts Jackie (Kempton)and Mark Taylor, Beth Rahaim, Laura(Rahaim) and Chuck Dimmick, Matt and Kiera Rahaim along with cousins Skyler, Mackenzie, Aubrey, Alex, Matthew, Zach, Ava, Ashley and Paizley.

OBITUARY

John Kempton Rahaim

January 15, 1998 – August 3, 2018

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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