John Bond, a 77-year-old Navy veteran, was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life: a round of golf, the intricate world of model trains, and, most importantly, time spent with his beloved family. A resident of Linden, Michigan, he was a loving husband to his wife of over 35 years, JoAnne, a father to six children, and a doting grandfather to ten grandchildren.
His commitment to service extended beyond his nine years in the Navy, as he was an active and well-regarded member of his community.
On the morning of Sunday, September 28, 2025, John and JoAnne attended services at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc. The peaceful Sunday morning was shattered when a man, later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, rammed his pickup truck through the church's brick wall. Sanford then opened fire on the congregation of over 100 worshippers. In the midst of the chaos and violence that ensued, John Bond was fatally shot. Even in his final moments, his thoughts were of his wife; it was reported that after being shot, he asked people to call her.
The attack, which also involved Sanford setting the church ablaze, resulted in the deaths of four congregants, including John Bond. Eight other people, with ages ranging from 6 to 78, sustained injuries from either gunshots or smoke inhalation. The horrific event ended when two law enforcement officers who rushed to the scene engaged in a shootout with Sanford, resulting in his death.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community rallied around the victims and their families. A GoFundMe campaign was started by John's granddaughters to help with his memorial service and to support his wife, JoAnne, through the heartbreaking time. The community's response was overwhelming, with donations far exceeding the initial goal. John Bond was remembered by his family and friends as a loving and active member of his community, a dedicated family man, and a proud veteran. His life of service and love came to a violent and tragic end in an act of senseless violence that left a community in mourning.
