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John Alexander Bergman Jr.

John Bergman Obituary

John Alexander Bergman, Jr. - SAVANNAH - John Alexander Bergman, Jr., 87, died Monday, July 7, 2008 at Candler Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born November 6, 1920 in Savannah, Georgia, the eldest of two sons born to John Alexander and Catherine Josephine (Siem) Bergman. His great-grandparents, Alexander and Eliza McKenzie, purchased the first two lots offered for sale on Tybee Island and were the only residents living there in the 1870's. John's family moved to Tybee in the early 1920's. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood there, boating to Cockspur Island to picnic with Florence Martus, "The Waving Girl," climbing the Tybee Lighthouse with friends to sail paper airplanes, helping his parents at Bergman's Store, boxing at the Old Post Theater, swimming, delivering newspapers, and playing ball with the Fort Screven soldiers. A 1939 Savannah High School graduate, John was a member of the 1936-37 G.I.A.A. champion Blue Jacket basketball team. He was also a graduate of Armstrong Junior College. During WWII, he was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida with the U.S. Navy as an aviation mechanic. An original member of the 158th Fighter Squadron at Chatham Field (Travis Field), he served in the Korean War at Misawa Air Base in Japan. He retired from the 165th Air National Guard Unit in May 1978 with the rank of CMSgt after 34 years of service as Flight Chief and Chief of Quality Control. His military awards include Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, American Campaign (1941-1945) Ribbon, and Georgia Air National Guard Service Medal. A lifelong member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, John served twelve years on Church Council, was an original member of the Thursday Work Crew, served on the Property Committee and Usher team, and was a Communion Assistant. He was a 50-year member of Solomon's Lodge #1 F&AM and a member of the German Friendly Society. An avid golfer, he enjoyed his Tuesday foursome at Bacon Park Golf Club. On August 19, 1980, he shot a hole-in-one on the second hole at Mary Calder Golf Club. John earned his commercial pilot's license, but loved taking his family flying in his small airplane. He was a member of SAFANG and the Bill Summerrell-Andy Swain Gray Eagle Society. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Alexander and Catherine Josephine (Siem) Bergman, his brother, Herbert Bergman and his beloved wife of 42 years, Delilah Reese Sharpe Bergman. He is survived by his son, John Alexander Bergman, III and his wife, Elaine of Raleigh, North Carolina, his daughter, Deborah Jeanne Bergman of Savannah, his daughter, Kathryn Bergman Cail and her husband, Gary of Savannah and three grandchildren, Alex, Alyssa and Abby Cail of Savannah. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 9, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Services will be Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church with burial in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Remembrances to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com . Savannah Morning News August 17, 2008 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .

Published by Savannah Morning News on Aug. 17, 2008.
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Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. As you know, he was a part of our extended family, too. I understand more than most, how this loss really affects you. Words really just can't express how special he was to others and to you.
Love you dearly and thinking of you. Stay in touch.

Janet Morgan Roberts

October 16, 2008

I am sorry for your loss of your father. I remember the last time we saw Uncle John and he had some stories to tell about growing up with my father in Savannah. I will always picture him as a very loving and kind-hearted gentleman and he most certainly was a wonderful brother as conveyed by my father. Many hugs and warm wishes.

Sheri Lee

July 20, 2008

Our deepest symphathy on the loss of Mr. Bergman. I worked at the 165th with him as a guardsman. Ben & Cathy Berry

Ben Berry

July 18, 2008

Thank you for letting me know about Uncle John. I am so sorry for your loss and I know it's an extremely difficult time for all of you. He was a very special gentleman and I was proud to call him my uncle. It makes me smile to think of him up there with Daddy, playing basketball on the ultimate court!
Laird and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and just know that God will sustain you through this difficult time.

Becky Bergman Vance

July 16, 2008

John Bergman Family'
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a special friend and I worked for him when I first joined The Air Guard. Debbie I will miss seeing you and your Dad at the SAFANG Meeting. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rabun Phillips

July 11, 2008

Dear Debbie,
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad. We always thought he was such a nice man. It will seem strange not to see him with you in church. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.

Melissa, Cam & Trent Jenkins

Melissa Jenkins

July 10, 2008

Debbie, so sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you comfort and bless you with fond memories.

Trudy Knight

July 10, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jimmy Webster

July 10, 2008

Dear Debbie And Penny,
Remembering you and you family in prayer at your time of loss.
Sincerely,
Lisa Wilkinson,Becky Niksch and Catherine Beecher

Lisa Wilkinson

July 10, 2008

Debbie, Your Dad was a special person. He'll always be remembered.

David Precht

July 9, 2008

Dear Debbie and family, Jeanne and I are very sorry to learn of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It will be a loss not to see you and John togethe in church each Sunday. John's service to his church will long be rmembered.

Jeanne and Joe Alberino

July 9, 2008

Debiie & Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good man & very kind to both me & my mother after dad's passing. God Bless you all during this time.

Jack Silas

July 9, 2008

Dear Debbie and Penny, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your daddy was the loveliest and kindest man we've ever known. He and your mother were always a joy to visit and the times we spent with your family during our summer vacations were filled with warm and wonderful memories. We will miss them both. Love, Trelice and Linda

Trelice Swindell

July 9, 2008

Debbie and Cathy - We were so sorry to hear about your Dad dying. He was always so kind. We do understand your pain right now and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Janet & Lib Gnann

July 9, 2008

You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Uldine, Roy Lee Miller and Family

Uldine Miller

July 9, 2008

Dear Bergman family, I remember Johnny as one of the special people at Guards. He seemed to always be smiling. Our prayers are with you.

Jim Meyers

July 9, 2008

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