John Mathew Braun

John Mathew Braun October 29, 1965 - November 1, 2024

John Mathew Braun passed away on All Saints Day, November 1, 2024, just days after celebrating his 59th birthday. Due to complications of sepsis, his departure leaves behind a legacy of artistic vision and deep connections with those who knew him. His unique perspective on life, kindness, sweet nature, and art touched everyone around him, from his wife Jenn to his brother Brad, siblings, best friends, fur baby Camden, and his surrogate son Garrett and beyond.

John attended the University of Colorado Boulder. He had a passion for the arts manifested in his profound appreciation for diverse artistic expressions. In a serendipitous connection that would later be discovered, he and his wife Jenn independently developed a deep appreciation for the works of H.R. Giger, a shared passion neither knew about when they first met, making their bond all the more remarkable.

John's athletic pursuits reflected the fighting spirit he inherited from his father Bruce, who was a regional wrestling champion. He played American football and wrestled, carrying forward his family's legacy of competitive sport. A gifted skier of semi-professional caliber, he found pure joy in the pristine slopes of Mammoth and carved his way through the European Alps. His passion for football extended beyond the field, as he became a valued contributor to BigBlue Interactive.com (BBI), where his insightful analysis and commentary on the New York Football Giants enriched the community's corner forum discussions.

His artistic endeavors included collage art, inspired by Andy Warhol's revolutionary approach. Known affectionately as "Lono8or" - a moniker inspired by Hunter S. Thompson—John was heralded by Jenn as the "Unsung Bohemian" for his distinctive artistic vision and unconventional creativity. Among his notable works was "Chocolate Heroin," a piece he lovingly dedicated to Jennifer, exemplifying his distinctive artistic voice.

John's definition of family transcended traditional boundaries. His early life was spent with his siblings in New Jersey and later the beach cities of California, where they formed lasting bonds that would carry through his lifetime. Later, he shared his life with Jenn, his wife, and their hound dog Camden - named from for the couple's roots in New Jersey and London, bridging their origins through this meaningful connection. His role as a surrogate father to Garrett Donnelly demonstrated his capacity for nurturing meaningful connections beyond conventional family structures.

His closest friends, Aaron Henry, and Scott Wherity, were steadfast companions throughout his life's journey. These friendships, forged through decades of shared experiences, laughter, and mutual I support, were cornerstone relationships that enriched John's life immeasurably. Aaron and Scott weren't just friends - they were the brothers he chose for himself, standing beside him through life's triumphs and challenges.

John's professional life was as rich and meaningful as his pursuits. As Maintenance Manager at The Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek, in College Station. John served with distinction, demonstrating exceptional leadership and an innate ability to build community. His expertise in facilities management was matched by his gift for fostering positive relationships with the owners, property management team, staff and residents alike. Colleagues valued his skillful approach and his commitment to creating a welcoming environment.

He is survived by his wife Jenn; his siblings: brother Brad Slocum, sisters Shanda Slocum, Sally Slocum, and Stacy Atterbury; sister-in-laws Laeticia Slocum and Mary Walsh and brother-in-law Bo Webber, Sr.; his surrogate parents, Marc Demers and Annabella Brocato. He leaves behind beloved nephews Cole Slocum, Luc Slocum, Brandon Slocum, Bo Webber, Jack Webber, Jason Atterbury, Daniel Walsh, and Niall Walsh; nieces Brittany Hand, Julie Atterbury, Fitnett Faisal, and Antoinette Walsh; his surrogate son Garrett Donnelly; his dearest friends Aaron Henry and Scott Wherity, his Big Blue Interactive compatriots amongst others; and his faithful companion Camden, who he always claimed “I worked hard so she can have a good life.

John was preceded in death by his mother Joanne "Jojo" McQuillen, father Bruce Barton Braun, and brother-in-law Jim Atterbury (who advertently should be given credit for John and Jenn's union in 2015).

His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in John's memory to sepsis charities, including:

- Sepsis Alliance
- Global Sepsis Alliance
- Surviving Sepsis Campaign
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Erin Kay Flatley Memorial Foundation

Together, these organizations work to ensure that healthcare providers and the public are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize and respond to sepsis quickly, ultimately saving lives through early intervention and appropriate critical care.