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John Tatum Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Tatum
Joanne Maher Evans
August 20, 2023
The Tatum family and the Maher family go way back. My parents and Mr and Mrs Tatum were friends before we were born. I think our parents met at doctors hospital when our brothers were born. 7 years older than us. I always was a little bit weary of John growing up. He was a kind of wild. One time I remember Mrs Tatum called my mom looking for John. We couldn't find him anywhere. After searching for him for awhile he was in the dryer. Crazy John. But one time at one of there great parties at there house, mostly our brothers friends and parents friends. Anyway I slipped on there patio it was like Chattahoochee stone I think . Anyway he came over and helped me . He got my mom to wash it and found bandages for it. I was very thankful for that. We were like in 7th or 8th grade or younger. Then it changed my opinion of John. I thought he was not so crazy and really nice. Then thru the years we would see each other every once in awhile at different events. Yes he was an awesome drummer. But every once in awhile his mom would say go into John's room and listen to him play the drums. But I went in there once and I was good. Because being right there listening to him playing the drums was so loud. So I opted to listen to him from there dining room while I did my homework. John and I have known each other probably before kindergarten. R.I.P. John R.I.P.
Diane Perera-Farbstein
August 21, 2022
John and I went to school together from Kindergarden through 12th grade. We lost him too soon. My kind regard and condolences to Mrs. Tatum, Tom and Seria and Julie.
JOSH MARKS
June 26, 2012
BEST DRUMMER WE EVER HAD.THAT BOY COULD PLAY.RIP JOHN
Steven Ameche
March 17, 2012
John Tatum and Jeff Young. There was a time in our youth when it was just the 3 of us. A very special time - even if we didn't realize it then. I wish I had stayed in closer touch with both of them as I got older. Too late now. Wish I could talk to both of them just one more time.
December 26, 2011
I just found out about John's passing. He used to walk into my store (MAE) with that big smile and light up the place. I shall miss him.
Joanne Evans
August 31, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Roland Foulkes
August 29, 2011
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I know John is in that better place with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Our Christ; one place to which, and Lord to whom, each of us is destined. So no tears, no sadness, except for the loss we feel, at this time because we shall see him again.
I do extend my condolences and love to his family and friends, many of whom were my classmates, if ony briefly, during my freshman year at St. Thomas (1970-1971).
Know that during that time, albeit brief, I did get to know John well especially through our shared love of music and through my attempt to be the next Gene Krupa or Ginger Baker or George Allen "Buddy" Miles or Buddy Rich!
Thanks, John, for sharing that love!
"Well done, MY good and faithful servant!"
Pax Vobiscum,
In Jesus' name
Roland Alexander Foulkes
[email protected]
August 29, 2011
John was a long time friend of mine starting back in the St Gregory's years into STA. We met in the first grade and thats when all the fun began. We use to sneak out of our house and get golf balls out of the water holes at Ft Lauderdale Country Club and hang out at the Village Shopping Center. I remember our fort off Fig Tree in Plantation where we played spin the bottle.lol He was a GREAT friend and Drummer and will always have a part in my heart. I talk to him last year and had him convinced to attend the next reunion. Your feel comfortable now!
Bob Ellison
August 28, 2011
My 1st memory of John was him playing Iron Man by Black Sabbath for me. Family friends for years, sorry to say I had lost touch. The hearts and prays of the Ellison family go out to the Tatums.
Jimmy Noonan
August 28, 2011
I had not seen John for a long time time. I remember him quite well as he was good friends with my sister Doreen. John, Doreen, Becky, Diane and Kim were always around when I was growing up. Being a younger drummer, I was aw-struck by John's ability on the drums. Most all of my memories of him revolve around music and his vibrant personality. No one could play a better drum solo on Santana's "Soul Sacrifice" than John. It was better than the original! What about the Hi Hat intro to Grand funk's "Inside Looking Out" and his driving rhythm on "Into the Sun".
John spent a lot of time with me, teaching the technical side of drumming when I was younger. The first time I ever heard of a "paradiddle" was from John! He was bound and determined that I would "get it right"! He'd make me do them over and over again, hundreds of times! I loved to watch John play and clearly recall his solo at the St. Thomas talent show, what a drummer!! I also remember John, Jeff Farley and Jeff Young playing at my sisters party at the Sunrise Golf Village Country Club.
My confirmation was at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. I chose the name John, as I asked John to be my sponsor. I remember him helping me put my tie on outside the church that night, and later he walked up the isle with me. Even though I was younger, John asked me if I would like to go with him to a week long percussion symposium at the University of Miami. My parents allowed me to go, but I had to work to earn the money. In order to help, John convinced his mom to allow me to work around their home and yard so that I could go with him. John and I lived in the dorms at the university for a week together. Every night he worked with me on the things we had learned that day. I looked up to John and he always treated me so well. Over the years I had only spoken with John on a few occasions. He sounded the same to me. Vibrant, full of life and just a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with John and his Family.
Jimmy Noonan
August 28, 2011
Many years have passed since I spoke to John. Just as in Highschool, many miles seperated us, but I'll always remember jamming with John a few times at his house in Plantation. Good times. I'll always remember his smile, his happy demeanor, his wit and his willingness to be your friend... A great guy!!! John, the memories live on! Ned Doyle, P.S.L., FL
Patrick Kniery
August 27, 2011
I remember John and his band played at my house for Kim Paucek and my birthday thrown by Diane Young. It was a great party and John band rocked the whole neighborhood.
John was a great guy and a great classmate. John we will miss you brother. Rest in peace
Patrick Kniery
August 27, 2011
i remember John and his band played at my house for Kim Paucek and my 16th birthday thrown by Diane Young and invited our class. It was a great party and Johns band rocked the whole neighborhood that night.?
john was a great guy and a great classmate. We will miss you brother, rest in peace. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
ARTHUR POLLIO
August 27, 2011
JOHN C. TATUM
HE HAS BEEN MY FRIEND AND A PART OF MY LIFE SINCE I WAS 8. HE WAS ALWAYS A GREGARIOUS MAN WITH NOTHING BUT A SMILE ON HIS FACE AND A HEARTWARMING LAUGH.
HE WAS A GRADUATE OF SAINT GREGORY CATHOLIC SCHOOL, AND ALSO A GRADUATE OF SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL. JOHN WAS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE MUSICIANS EXCHANGE, PLAYED DRUMS FOR TWO BANDS, WHICH WERE DREAM CITY OF PLANTATION, AND A QUARTET THAT PLAYED AT MANY LOCAL HOTELS IN THE EVENINGS. JOHN WAS ALSO A LOCAL REAL ESTATE APPRAISER AND LATER WORKED FOR FANNY MAE IN THE REAL ESTATE DEPARTMENT THAT REPAIRED AND MARKETETED REAL ESTATE FORECLOSED HOMES.
RECENTLY JOHN WAS AT MY HOME PLAYING DRUMS WITH MANY 18 YEAR OLD GUITARISTS FRIENDS OF MY SONS AND WE HAD THE FRENCH DOORS OPEN TO ENJOY A BEAUTIFUL SOUTH FLORIDA EVENING, AND WALKED OUTSIDE JUST TO HEAR JOHN'S LAUGH REBOUND THROUGHOUT THE YARD.
1974 THE WAS A TALENT SHOW AT SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL. THE GYMNASIUM WAS PACKED. THE LIGHTS WERE DIMMED AND A SPOTLIGHT SHINED ON JOHNS METALLIC DRUMS AND CYMBALS. JOHN PUT ON A DRUM SOLO THAT ABSOLUTELY JUST AMAZED EVERYONE.
1973 JOHN AND HIS BAND DREAM CITY FROM PLANTATION PLAYED AT A SWEET SIXTEEN PARTY FOR MY SISTER. THE PATIO AND BACKYARD WERE PACKED STANDING ROOM ONLY TO HEAR HIS BAND. I COULD NOT SEE THE END OF THE CARS PARKED ON FIG TREE LANE IN PLANTATION.
JOHN WAS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE LOCAL MUSICIANS EXCHANGE, A CENTRAL MUSICIAN ORGANIZATION THAT HAD LOCAL AND NATIONAL TALENT, AND WAS WELL KNOWN TO ALL INVOLVED THERE.
JOHN STARTED AN APPRAISAL COMPANY AND LATER SOLD THE BUSINESS. JOHN WORKED AT FANNY MAE AND HELPED REDRAFT THE RULES USED FOR COMPETATIVE BIDDING FOR LOCAL CONTRACTORS INVOLVED IN FORCLOSURE REPAIRS.
JOHN LOVED MUSIC, REAL ESTATE, FISHING, AND GOLF. HE WAS PROUD OF HIS FATHER AND BROTHER, BOTH ATTORNEYS. HIS GRANDFATHER RECORDED THE OLD "TATUM" PLATS.
JOHN WAS AN UNCLE TO MY TWO BOYS.HE ALWAYS MADE MY WIFE AND I LAUGH. WE LIKED TO TAKE GOLF CART RIDES AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD TOGETHER.HE HAD A BIG HEART, ALWAYS READY TO LAUGH, ALWAYS POSITIVE. HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
HIS FRIEND,
ARTHUR POLLIO
DAVIE, FLORIDA
August 27, 2011
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A FEW THINGS ABOUT MY DEAR FRIEND JOHN TATUM WHOM I HAVE KNOWN SINCE I WAS 8 YEARS OLD. HE
GRADUATED SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL HE WAS A
MUSICIAN-BAND MEMBER-DREAM CITY-QUARTET, A
ACTIVE MEMBER OF MUSICIANS EXCHANGE, A
LICENSED APPRAISER AND
WORKED FOR FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION
JOHN
WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR LAUGHTER. YOU WERE AT MY HOUSE NOT TOO LONG AGO, PLAYING DRUMS WITH THE 18 YEAR OLD GUITARIST(S), IT WAS A NICE COOL NIGHT IN SOUTH FLORIDA, WE HAD ALL THE FRENCH DOORS OPEN TO ENJOY THE AIR, AND I WALKED OUTSIDE JUST TO HEAR YOUR LAUGHTER REBOUND AROUND MY YARD.
SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS HAD A TALENT NIGHT, MUST HAVE BEEN 1974, THE GYMNASIUM WAS PACKED, THE LIGHTS WHERE DIMMED, THE SPOTLIGHT REFLECTED OF JOHNS METALLIC DRUM STET, JOHN PLAYED A DRUM SOLO THAT MADE ALL IN ATTENDENCE REVERENCE HIS ABILITY.
1973, JOHN HAD A BAND IN PLANTATION, LOCALLY KNOW AS DREAM CITY. THEY PLAYED AT A PARTY FOR MY SISTERS SWEET 16 PARTY. STANDING ROOM ONLY CROWD, YOU COULD NOT SEE THE END OF THE CARS DOWN FIG TREE LANE IN PLANTATION.
JOHN, LOVED REAL ESTATE, BOATS, MUSIC, AND GOLF. HE WAS PROUD OF HIS FATHER AND BROTHER BOTH ATTORNEYS. HIS GRADFATHER, RECORDED OLD TATUM REAL ESTATE PLATS. HE WAS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE MUSICIANS EXCHANGE ON SURISE BOULEVARD, HE PLAYED IN A MUSICAL QUARTET EVENINGS AT MANY HOTELS IN THE AREA.
JOHN STARTED A REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL COMPANY AND LATER SOLD THE BUSINESS. JOHN WORKED FOR FNMA FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND CHANGED THE LOCAL BIDDING REPAIR RULES FOR CONTRACTORS REGARDING FORECLOSURES.
YOU WERE LIKE AN UNCLE TO MY BOYS, AND A LOYAL FRIEND. YOUR LAUGHTER AND UNENDING POSSITIVE SPRIT WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
ARTHUR POLLIO
Diane Perera-Farbstein
August 27, 2011
My friend and classmate from 1st grade to 12th, I'll always remember your spirit and love of music. Without you I would never have gotten through the talent show senior year. We lost touch after high school but I always asked about you whenever I saw Tom and Siria. Rest now, you will be remembered.
Anita Wood-Stiles
August 27, 2011
God Bless ...love your spirit...
Sue Roach
August 27, 2011
Even though 30 years have gone by since we last saw one another, I have always kept the memories in a special place in my heart for you. Rest in peace in that big Dream City in heaven.
American Heart Association
August 27, 2011
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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