June 20, 2023 – John A. Girard passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2023. The family is both devastated and shocked by his death. He was born December 10, 1961, in Rochelle, Illinois to Robert and Wanda Girard (Jozefowski).
John graduated from Gaffney High School in Gaffney, South Carolina in 1980, and enlisted in the United States Army after graduation. Upon discharge, he worked in various creative fields and especially enjoyed his years crafting animal habitats at Myrtle Beach’s Alligator Adventure and creating in the art department of film production companies in North Carolina, where he worked on such movies as The Village and Stateside.
One of John’s greatest joys was riding his motorcycle with friends. His interests also included classic cars and music, particularly the band Rush.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Girard and Wanda Girard Smith; brother, Albert Girard; aunt Rosie Hollenbach; uncles, Bruno Jozefowski and Roger Gollnick; and Wanda’s second husband, Tony Smith.
He is survived by brothers, Steve (Karen) Girard and Bob (Delra) Girard; sister, Elizabeth (Craig) Peacock; aunts, Mary Jozefowski and Christa Gollnick. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly, including Zachary Girard, Jessie Girard, Stephan Girard, Julie (Chris) Karracker, Jennifer (Matt Lathan) Girard, Jason (Marisa) Girard, Jamie (David) Andrews, Christina Gonzales, Terry (Ashley) Sellers, and Albert Girard.
John was a gentle, warm-hearted, generous man who endured increasingly painful health challenges toward the end of his life. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.”
A Celebration of John’s Life will be scheduled at a later date.
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with John’s arrangements.
