John E. Seagraves

Garden of Memories was sent for John E. Seagraves - April 13, 2024

Send flowers for John E. Seagraves

John was always so nice to me and my late wife when he was at his restaurant. I loved it when he made some of his special dishes on Sunday.

Dear Pat, Linda, David and McKenzie. I was the flower girl in Uncle John and Aunt Millie's wedding and today, in his honor, I'm wearing flowers. I'm sure I was nervous back then because I certainly am nervous now. Through the years, I have been so blessed to have had Uncle John in my life as a strong masculine role model. He was such a special man, principled, committed, goal-oriented, wise, persistent, and suave. And, boy, could he sing...at the drop of a hat! As a child, I remember watching Uncle John competing in a talent show on television on Sunday mornings. I also have vivid memories of him singing in the Boston Shaw House chorus in the play "Carmen Jones." While growing up, his life was never easy, but he never complained about his hardships and seemed to always make lemonade out of lemons.

I always smile when I think about how special Uncle John made me feel when he said, "You are my favorite niece." I knew within that millisecond I was because I was in his presence, but I also realized that Uncle John had dozens of "favorite nieces", and they all were made to feel special when they were in his presence.

Yes, Uncle John loved life and people and enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. Cruising was one of his biggest joys, but cooking was his true passion...so much so that he became a World War II Messman on the USS North Carolina. During Uncle John's final year living in Phoenix, Arizona my husband, Tony, and I lived near him, and almost every Sunday, I had dinner with him, and (lucky for me) he never let me leave without a doggy bag.

Back in 2009 and 2010, my husband, Tony Rose, a major book publisher, talked at length to Uncle John about the importance of documenting his life story. Tony convinced me to write Uncle John's book. I became particularly close to Uncle John when I had the honor of becoming his biographer. We spent countless hours conversing when I would stay the weekend with him and Aunt Millie in their Phoenix home, recording his life story. He would respond to thousands of questions about his life - his childhood and teen years - his military years - and the many decades thereafter as a restaurateur and businessman. "The Messman – A World War II Hero Tells His Story of Survival & Segregation On the Battleship USS North Carolina" by Yvonne Rose as told to by John Seagraves" is the result of those meetings.

Pat, Linda, David...Your Dad, Uncle John Seagraves, was a great man whom I loved and whose spirit will be etched forever in my heart. Rest in peace, Uncle John ... with our Dear Aunt Mildred.

To the Seagraves family, I will always have cherished memories of how John and Millie were so kind and generous to my family throughout the years since I was a child.My thoughts and prayers are with you. Geraldine Weeks( neice of Doris and Fred Williams).

John you were a friend for a short time before you joined your wife. I truly enjoyed our conversations about your cruises, and photos of your catering, sharing meals and your desserts. You will be missed. Barbara Diane

Our Prayers are with your family. John Seagraves was such a kind Angel who will truly be missed.

The Atchison Family

Mr. John Seagraves was truly a wonderful person and an Angel. He was always so good to my sister, Sylvia, his Nurse who Sylvia who passed in 2020. I am sure they are sharing sweet memories in Heaven. He was always so kind to our family and never hesitated to give us a discount when we had a big order at John's Fine Food. Such a Kindhearted person that only showed us Love. Our prayers go out to the family. Thank you for sharing Mr. Seagraves with us. He will truly be missed. RIH Mr. Seagraves....You will definitely be missed.

Uncle John's kind heart and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Please know that you are not alone in your grief, and we are here to support you in any way we can. May the memories of Uncle John bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Our prayer is that God continue to give Pat, Linda and David strength to get through this great loss. Uncle John was a Champion and a blessing to those who knew him. Blessed Memories Forever, Kevin & Stephanie Fleetwood~

Special heartfelt blessings to your family and to Carolyn Edwards From Christina Caldwell and family.

Dear Pat, Linda, and David:

Thank you for lending your father to everyone. I don't need to tell you that he was bigger than life and belonged to the world. That he loved your mother with his whole being, and that he loved you, his children. That he loved her family as his own, that he was the kindest, most generous man in our and to our whole families. The Seagraves, the Johnsons, the Prices, the Fleetwoods, the Herberts, the Kellys, everybody, I mean everybody, including this Rose family.

He lived and loved life fully, always ready to be there for a family member, or a friend. Uncle John was a great man, a man of great respect, a man to admire, and as an entrepreneur like me, a man I could look up to, and respect and admire... and admire and love the man I did.

He was always wonderful and when he knew that I was sick, he was always concerned about Yvonne and me. Always asked about us and was always there for us. A true man and friend to all he loved. I will miss Uncle John, I will miss his "Hey Young Man, how you doing!!" Uncle John Seagraves was a very special man, who lived a very special life, who showed us all how to be better, how to love and give more and love more. I for one, will miss him forever.

May the love and peace of God stand with Uncle John as he enters is glory and final rest. You were a good man Uncle John, a great man, the finest, and the best.

Tony Rose

Please accept my deepest condolences to all family members. Hank Edwards.K

The Seagraves Family you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was blessed to have John as a next door neighbor for only nine months. I enjoyed my visits. John Edward you will be greatly missed your smiles(FOOD) and welcoming words. Love Barbara H

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.