John Bloom

We mourn the too soon passing of devoted husband, father and friend, John Benjamin Bloom of Rockwell, NC. He died while playing music at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV on July 31, 2004. John was born November 28, 1952 in Augusta, GA to the late Ivan A. and Frances Popkin Bloom. He was a graduate of East Henderson High School and later attended CPCC, Villanova University, and N. C. A&T University, where he earned his teaching certificate. He was an Industrial Arts teacher at Concord High School. John's passion was music, and he played in bands including the Cold Creek Ramblers and the Stanley County Boys. John is survived by his loving wife, Pam Everhardt Bloom; son, Evan; and brothers, Mark and Lee. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, August 4, 2004, at the Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church, 9704 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC with Rev. Wyman Rousseau officiating. The family will receive friends at their home following the service. Because of John's belief in the importance of music and art in the school system, his generous spirit will live on through memorials made to fund old-time music in the schools: Cabarrus Arts Council, PO Box 809, Concord, NC 28026. To support the arts and gardens at Concord High School, memorials can be made to: Historic Union Garden Society, c/o First Charter Bank, 845 Church Street North, Suite 201, Concord, NC 28025. Please indicate "John Bloom Memorial" on memo line of check for either memorial.