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BORN
1927
DIED
2024
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John Boren Obituary
November 15, 1927 - June 1, 2024
Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Dr. John Jay Boren, 96, died on June 1, 2024 in his home at Carolina Meadows, Chapel Hill. John was born November 15, 1927 in Snyder, Texas. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas, and a masters and doctoral degree in psychology from Columbia University. In 1953, John was inducted into the army as a scientist, serving at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He had a long and distinguished career in his field, pursuing groundbreaking research for the private sector and serving as a tenured professor at American University for nearly 20 years, before joining the National Institute of Drug Abuse as chief and senior scientist of multiple branches. John believed in the power of education to change lives, a belief he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He also volunteered as a counselor at a local drug treatment clinic, and became a steadfast supporter of addiction recovery services, particularly "rational" approaches like SMART Recovery. In his retirement, in addition to advising graduate students at UNC, John started and supported SMART Recovery groups in Durham and Chapel Hill. John was a lifelong lover of tennis, playing "on the court" until the age of 90 and "on the table" after that; and enjoyed viewing films at The Chelsea. John also generously supported environmental organizations.
John is survived by his daughter, Janet Boren; his son-in-law, George "Chip" Chescheir and daughter-in-law Cecy Ussler; grandchildren Jessica Scott and Emily Mastrianni, Alex and Stuart Chescheir, and Susan Ussler; and great-grandchildren Graham Jay and Hannah Mastrianni. He is remembered by friends and family by his heartfelt admonition to "bless your heart".
In memory of John, his family invites you to make donations to The Chelsea, or to an environmental organization of your choice.
A celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday, July 13 from 10-11:30am in the Board Room in the Club Center at Carolina Meadows.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Boren
Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.
2 Entries
Frank Rockwell
June 30, 2025
It is a year and a month since John's passing and I am only now learning of this loss. John and I had a wonderful time in 1977 in London and a several night road trip to Wales. We were both attending an American University sponsored event in England and at the conclusion we took off to Wales. I truly enjoyed my time with him and am sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to all of his family members. I will think of him with a smile on my face.
Mark Kernodle
July 1, 2024
John and Ruth in 2016.
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