Navy vet John Bond, 77, told wife final ‘I love you’ before dying in Michigan church shooting

GRAND BLANC, MICHIGAN: Grand Blanc Church on Sunday, September 28, turned into a mass shooting site, leaving four people dead.

One of the victims was John Bond, a former US Navy serviceman, who is survived by his children and grandchildren.

Navy veteran John Bond’s last words to wife before Michigan shooting

John Bond, 77, a Navy veteran and Vietnam War serviceman, has been identified as the first victim. 

News of Bond’s death emerged as Grand Blanc community leaders praised the overwhelming support being shown to first responders and grieving families.

The Navy veteran — remembered as a devoted husband, father of six, and grandfather to ten — was one of four congregants killed when a gunman stormed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.

Before his death, Bond reportedly told his wife, Joanne, “I love you.” Joanne told reporters he was dressed for church that morning and even joked about his shoes needing a shine.

According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Michigan’s (VFWMI) Facebook page: “VFW Post Commander John Bond of Linden Post 4642 was among the victims of Sunday’s tragic shooting at the Grand Blanc church.”

The post continued: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Commander Bond’s family and friends during this difficult time."

GoFundMe remembers John Bond as devoted family man and community leader

“He was a well-known and loved member of his family and active in his community,” his family wrote in a GoFundMe created to cover memorial expenses.

The fundraiser described him as someone who loved golf, trains, and, above all, spending time with his grandchildren. “He was a well-known and loved member of his family and active in his community,” the family shared.

The tribute on GoFundMe also read: “(He) always loved spending time with his family and grandkids.” 

Bond served nine years in the Navy and, even after retirement, remained deeply connected to his community. Support for Bond’s family has been overwhelming, with 715 donors contributing a total of $41,427.

The original goal was $15,000, but the campaign has far surpassed that and continues to grow.

Eight victims, including children, hospitalized after church shooting

Dr Michael Danic, chief of staff at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, said eight people between the ages of 6 and 78 were brought in with gunshot wounds or smoke inhalation.

Of those, five had been shot. One victim died in the emergency room, another remains in critical condition, and a child who was stabilized had to be transferred for further treatment.

Three others were hospitalized for smoke inhalation; two have since been released, while one patient is still on a ventilator.

The church’s bishop, Jeffrey Schaub, in a video message posted on X, said: “I know there are a lot of people suffering right now. But we share in that testimony and that love of Jesus Christ that through him.” He also said, “We’ll find that peace and joy that is missing today, and tomorrow, and the next few days, but it will come.”

Families and church members gathered at the nearby NCG Trillium Cinema to find and be with their loved ones.

According to USA Today, authorities have not yet released the names of those killed, though families and friends have begun to identify their loved ones.

On September 29, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff across the state to honor the victims. 

Gunman set fire after shooting inside Grand Blanc church

Authorities revealed that shooter Thomas Jake Sanford crashed his pickup truck into the Grand Blanc church before suddenly opening fire on people gathered for Sunday service.

He then set a fire inside the building, sparking panic as hundreds of worshippers ran for their lives. The rampage ended when Sanford was shot during a gunfight with police who rushed in to stop the violence.