John Michael Gore

John Michael Gore was born July 27, 1984 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Marsha and Skip Gore. He passed from this world in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on October 11, 2009 at the age of 25.

            John Michael Gore – a young man who took the opportunity to experience the world and while on this journey, touched the lives of all he encountered. An athlete, a piano player, a Boy Scout but, most importantly, a Christian.

While he was growing up, John Michael and his family moved around the United States, living in Oklahoma, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Tennessee. John Michael considered Clayton, OK, and Fayetteville, TN home. He graduated from Lincoln County High School in Fayetteville in 2002.  He was a leader not only in various school activities, but also with the Fayetteville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church youth group. He also served as Captain of his high school ice hockey team. Because of his kind ways, gentlemanly manners, and a bit of a Southern drawl, he was affectionately called “Tennessee” by many of his college friends and fraternity brothers. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in May 2006. He also attended the University of Memphis, Motlow Community College, and American University for special studies.

            At OU, John Michael was an exceptional student and leader. He was on the President’s and Dean’s Honor Rolls and a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He served as the Outer Guard and Dad’s Day Chair for the fraternity. He was also involved with the OU Pre-Law Society, OU Criminology Club, was the Big Event Leader at the YMCA, was the Emcee for the annual PAC banquet, was active in the OU American Indian Student Association, was an annual Pow Wow volunteer, was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta honor fraternity, and participated in University Sing 2003. He received numerous scholarships at the University of Oklahoma including the President’s Achievement Class Scholarship and a Native American Scholarship. He also represented the University at special events, including a reception and dinner with the former Secretary of State James Baker, III.

            John Michael was passionate about serving his country. He recently enlisted in the United States Army and was scheduled to go to Officer Candidate School on October 19th.  He demonstrated his patriotism by working political campaigns in Tennessee and by interning for US Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and the US Department of Treasury during summer internships in Washington, DC. In addition to academic internships, he was an avid community volunteer, working as a mentor with low-socioeconomic and academically disadvantaged youth as well as with Habitat for Humanity.  The time John Michael spent traveling in the United States with his parents and traveling in Great Britain and China, along with wonderful teachers along his way, helped develop his love and sense of history.