John Charles Pafford, 45, of Ruston, Louisiana, passed away on September 11, 2026, surrounded by many who loved him. John was born June 22, 1981, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to James and Carol (Carson) Pafford. He graduated from Hermitage High School in Hermitage, Arkansas, where he played in the marching band, and later graduated from Louisiana Tech University, where he was a member of the color guard and served as captain.
John had a gift for bringing people together. He didn’t just find his people; he helped his people find one another. At Louisiana Tech, he became the heart of a close-knit group of friends known as “P3,” friendships that grew into chosen family and remained so throughout his life. Among those John held especially dear were Ben Critselous, Courtney Davis, Jammi Holston, Meagan Shelton, and Melissa Chandler.
John had a way of bringing light wherever he went. He greeted people with a genuine kindness and sweet energy that made them feel seen, welcomed, and included. He loved to laugh, loved to dance, loved music, and never missed an opportunity to share a good meal, a new experience, or an adventure with the people he loved.
John proudly served as Vice President of Pafford Emergency Medical Services, carrying forward his family’s legacy of caring for others. Across Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, he helped bring emergency medical care to rural communities and small towns that might otherwise have gone without.
His creativity and love of the arts also led him to work with Del Shores Productions, where he served as a producer on multiple projects.
Outside of his work, the title of “uncle” was what he was most proud of. For celebrations and milestones, sporting events and ordinary days, John was there. His niece and nephews, Suzanne, Garrett, and Alex, will readily tell you that any “cool” bone in their bodies came directly from Uncle John. When Bennett and Warren made him a great-uncle, he embraced the role wholeheartedly. Uncle John never arrived empty-handed and was famous for showing up with far more gifts than anyone could ask for. Generosity was simply one of the ways John loved.
John shared life with his partner, Daniel Davis. For over a decade, John and Daniel built a life together rooted in what they treasured most: people, shared experiences, and time with those they loved.
John cared deeply and gave generously to many charities and causes throughout his life. That same spirit continued even in his final hours. As an organ donor, John’s final act reflected the way he lived: giving something of himself so that someone else might have hope.
Influences from his mother and grandmother, lovingly known as Nanny, led John to love Jesus. His family finds comfort in knowing that the faith he carried has now become sight, and that the man who loved life, laughter, and people so well is Home.
John was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Thelma Nickerson Pafford and Jean Carson Ingraffia, and his aunt, June Ambrose Pafford.
He is survived by his parents, James and Carol Pafford; his partner, Daniel Davis; his sister, Jamie Pafford-Gresham and husband Ben; his brother, Greg Pafford; sister-in-law, Starlyn Wilcox; his niece and nephews, Suzanne Gresham Barham and husband Drake, Benjamin Garrett Ryan Gresham and wife Mary Claire, and Alexander James Pafford and wife Kelly; his great-nephews, Bennett Davis Barham and Warren James Pafford; a host of cousins, extended family members, friends, colleagues, and countless others who were fortunate enough to be loved by John Pafford.
John spent his life showing up for people, making them laugh, making them feel loved, and leaving things a little brighter than he found them.
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Visitation will be held Monday, September 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, 1515 S. Service Road West, Ruston, Louisiana.
A celebration of John’s life will be held Tuesday, September 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary, followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Springhill Cemetery in Springhill, Louisiana.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Code Green Campaign, an organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and education for first responders. Contributions may be made online through the Code Green Campaign or mailed to 17020 Chatsworth St., #1010, Granada Hills, CA 91344.