Profile in Callers and Cuers

John has been calling for many decades and has been a recording artist for just as long. Mostly on Kalox records, but some other labels as well. John & his lovely wife, Linda, co-writes a monthly article (Square-Up) in the American Square Dance Magazine. They have given so very much to our beloved activity over the years! John publishes a monthly note service for callers with the catchy name of "John's Notes." He has a wonderful personality with great humor! Being a certified CallerLab Teacher/Coach, John conducts a lot of caller clinics.

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John Michael Saunders (1940 - 2017) The Lord called John Michael Saunders from this world to sing the Lord's praises and call square dances with the angels on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. He was 77 years old. John was born on February 26, 1940 to Chuck & Margaret Saunders in Lenoir, NC. He married the love of his life, Linda Jean Boggs also from Lenoir, NC on April 26, 1959. In 1962, they moved to Florida. Once in Florida, John used his degree from Clevenger Business College to work as an accountant for various businesses. He retired after 23 years as an excise tax auditor/supervisor for the State of Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. John found true joy in his role as a professional square dance caller, teacher, and leader which he began when he was 23 years old. He loved the fellowship and friendships that square dancing blessed him with. He was able to bring the joy of square dancing to people around the United States and to 25+ countries around the world. He truly had a gift of calling, singing and making others smile with his music. He could tell a mean joke out of the side of the mouth while calling a dance. John's passion was always family and friends. He made every effort to give his family the best of everything, including driving advice from the backseat and never wanted to see anyone unhappy. When he wasn't working or calling square dances, he was coaching, cheering, and supporting his family in all their many activities. He would argue sports with anyone that would "take the bait" especially when it was about his favorite teams: the New York Yankees, the Duke Blue Devils and the Florida Gators. John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda. Their love of each other and their family and friends set the best example of how we are supposed to go through life gracefully and with laughs. His biggest successes are his five children, Michael (Rosemary), Michelle (Doug Adams), Christopher, Shawn (Shannon) and Susy (Bryan Peterson), 15 grandchildren, Lauren (Justin Alspaugh), Ryan, Adrienne (Derrick Jeffries), Nicholas (Monica), Benjamin, Zachary, Briel, Branton, Cale, Jasan Rice (Dayna), Corey, Cassidy, Brody, Clayton and Delaney and 5 great grandchildren, Kade, Carter, Olivia, Kimera and Colby. John is predeceased by his parents, Chuck and Margaret and granddaughter, Amanda Marie (infant). A church service for John's family members will be Saturday, July 8, 2017. A celebration of Life for family & friends with music & dance will be Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Ormond Beach, FL. John fought fiercely through diabetes, heart disease and cancer. While cancer took his life, it could not take his soul, his dignity or his sense of humor and that is why he is able now to be perched in Joe Girardi's ear "advising him" because the Lord knows that he needs advising. He is also able to eat pin wheels, biscuits and gravy and all of Linda's cooking as he controls the TV of his dreams showing only his favorites: Big Bang Theory, Love Boat, M.A.S.H. and Keeping Up Appearances. At John's request, his body has been donated to the Anatomical Board of the State of Florida for use in medical research & education at the University of Central Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted at the Celebration of Life for various local charities & http://foundation.flcancer.com/johnsaunders/. Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on July 2, 2017