Dear Family,

Our beloved brother John Sapp, the son of Rev. Richard and Barbara Sapp, passed away due to a long standing heart condition. He was a very special brother who truly loved God and True Parents. He touched the lives of so many in our church and in the community and the University of North Florida in which he worked.

He had so touched the lives of so many at the University that they have requested the permission to hold a special "Memorial Service and Tribute" to John. The Tribute below was given to me by Rev. Cutts from Rev. Richard Sapp. Rev. Sapp and Barbara are the Co State Directors of our Florida Church. They are an outstanding blessed central family and their family has shined in so many responsibilities. John was an outstanding and committed member of the STF and gave two years of victorious service.

John is dear to True Parents and all of us and will be forever appreciated and remembered.

The Tribute below gives an idea of the fine character that John has demonstrated throughout his life. He will go to the heavenly realm as a blessed son of True Parents.

With True Parent's Love,

Rev. Michael Jenkins
National Pastor
Family Church of America

John Edwin Sapp (28), Blessed son of Richard and Barbara Sapp entered into the spirit world on October 10, 2007. He died of heart failure. John had a congenital heart defect and his doctors had told him that he might not live beyond the age of 28.

John was born in Gloucester, MA in 1979 and lived in Bayou La Batre, AL and Norfolk, VA before his family settled in his parents’ hometown of Jacksonville, FL. John attended the Little Angels School in Korea for a short time before attending James Weldon Johnson Middle School and Graduating from Stanton High School with honors.

John spent his summers counseling at church youth camps and dedicated one summer helping at a special needs camp.

When the Pure Love Alliance toured Japan and Korea, John was there with his whole heart. But it was on the STF, that he saw first hand the transforming power the Divine Principle and the impact it could have on the world. After fulfilling his one year commitment, John was among the first STF members to surprise his friends and family by volunteering for a second year of service.

Though John faced many trials, he remained firm in his advocacy that young people commit to public service after graduating from high school, and before continuing their education. He even encouraged young people who were not raised in the church to join STF.

John’s keen intellect and passion for truth led him naturally to a career in university administration. Until the day of his sudden departure from this world he served as chief accountant of student services at the University of North Florida where he was also soon to graduate with a degree in accounting.

John will be remembered as a man of many interests who seemed most at home at a campsite watching the birds, all of which he could name and tell you something about.

A talented musician, John never met a musical instrument he didn’t like and always encouraged others to play.

John was never one to back down on a point of principle and he often challenged those who loved him to reflect on what their behavior as he did his own. He was a loyal friend especially to those of the second generation who endured the similar sufferings of growing up in our movement.

For now, John, we miss you. We look forward to great things from you in the future as you continue to inspire us.

John Sapp is survived by his parents Richard and Barbara Sapp of Jacksonville FL, his older brother Craig Stuart Sapp of London UK, his older sister Christina Tadin (married to Dionisije Tadin) of Stony Creek, ON, his younger brother Andrew Martin Sapp (married to Taeko Masuyama) of Los Angeles, CA, his younger sister Virginia "Ginny" Sapp of Jacksonville FL, nephews Tristan, Ethan, Kaden Tadin and niece Tatyana Tadin.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home at 729 S. Edgewood Ave. Jacksonville FL 32205. The Seung Hwa Service for John will also be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home at 11:00 am. Interment will immediately follow at the Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park.

Letters and Contributions can be sent to:

Richard and Barara Sapp
923 Melba Street
Jacksonville FL 32205