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John Stephen LaVee (Jack), 77, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on August 4, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jacques and Jayne LaVee, John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He graduated from Rowan State College (formerly Glassboro State College) with a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Education. Although he started his career as an elementary school teacher, he found his true calling in sales in the shipping industry for 50 years, working for only two companies, Maersk-SeaLand and Globe Express. Known for his great sense of humor and fun-loving attitude, Jack was well loved by family and friends. John married his wife, Lois, in 1970 after they met as schoolteachers at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Merchantville, New Jersey. Together, they raised two daughters and built a life full of love, laughter, and travel. His many promotions throughout his career moved him and his family up and down the East Coast and they lived in New Jersey, Georgia and North Carolina before retiring to Pawleys Island, South Carolina. They even lived and worked for several years in San Salvador, El Salvador. Jack was an avid and talented golfer and a highly sought after golf partner. He could be found most weekends on a golf course, watching golf or rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jack was most well-known for his outgoing, fun-loving personality. He was a constant jokester but made everyone feel comfortable and cared for in his presence. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lois Dentino LaVee; his children, Andrea LaVee Bookout and his son-in-law Brian Bookout, and Niccole LaVee Bartley and his son-in-law Scott Bartley; and their five grandchildren, Nathan and Sarah Kate Bookout, and Benjamin, Malcolm and Samuel Bartley. They were the light of his life, his family provided him great joy and he loved them well. He enjoyed visiting his grandkids and spending time with them at the beach. He is also remembered fondly by his sister Maryanne LaVee, his brother-in-law, Karl Dentino and his family, and countless friends across the country. Per Jack’s wishes, there will be no public funeral service. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor and remember him in the way he would have wanted—with good food, great stories, and the people he loved most. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please sign the family's guestbook at: www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is assisting the family.

Tributes

John Stephen LaVee (Jack)

August 4, 1947 - April 9, 2025