John Louis Kamar

On Monday, June 9th, 2025, Dr. John Louis Kamar, loving husband, father and Papa, died at his Nashville home after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 77.

John was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 9th, 1947 to John and Marie Kamar (Ganim). He grew up there alongside his brother, Doug, and they enjoyed all things sports while also helping their parents with the family grocery store. John went to Cass Technical High School where he was convinced by a friend to attend the University of Michigan. While there, John met his “first wife” as he would call his only wife and the love of his life, Claudia. They married on May 22, 1970. John attended the University of Detroit Dental School and graduated in December, 1972. John and Claudia raised two children, Stacey and Jeff, in Troy, Michigan.

John practiced dentistry for 50 years in Lathrup Village and his patients truly became family. His knack for talking and making everyone feel comfortable helped him to build a successful practice. He also taught for 30 years at the University of Detroit Dental School. John was actively involved in the Lathrup Village Lions Club for over 40 years where his claim to fame was organizing a hugely successful golf outing to raise money for the Leader Dogs For the Blind. After John sold his dental practice in 2018, he became the Oakland County Dental Society Executive Director and worked hard to expand membership and increase diversity. His mantra at all of their meetings was to “treat everyone like they are a guest at your daughter’s wedding”.

John truly loved everyone he met. He was able to make people feel seen and appreciated. His positivity and his smile were both contagious. His sense of humor was second to none. He had a passion for golf and gambling and would do both any chance he got! He enjoyed watching all sports and especially loved watching his grandchildren playing sports. The University of Michigan football team would become one of his greatest passions and seeing them win their most recent national championship in 2023 was a dream fulfilled. John loved life and would remind others to appreciate each moment and the relationships and friendships that are built along the way. “Be Kind” were his words of wisdom to his grandkids and anyone else that would listen.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Claudia, his two children, Dr. Stacey Vallejo (Dr. Victor Vallejo) and Jeff Kamar (Julia Kamar), his 5 grandchildren, Brayden, Cooper and Delaney Vallejo, and Jameson and Jackson Kamar along with many other cousins and in-laws.

We would like to thank all of the amazing people that supported John and his family during his cancer journey - the medical staff and doctors at St Thomas West, his physical therapists, the caring Alive Hospice team and countless friends and family who checked on him and brought him food and hugs that will be forever appreciated.

John’s inspiring life will be celebrated in Michigan and Nashville; dates to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, Michigan or Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee.