John Martin Brandt
January 5, 1937 – August 28, 2022
John (Jack) Martin Brandt, 85, of Richmond, VA passed away on August 28, 2022.
He was born in Cincinnati, OH on January 5, 1937. After graduating from Wyoming High School in Ohio, he attended the University of Virginia earning a degree in Commerce which led him to Richmond, VA working in the banking industry for 12 years. During this time, he met and married Melissa Anne Martin, and their family grew to include a daughter Taylor, a son John and a little while later another daughter Anne-Hadley. He was devoted to his family.
Jack and his family resided for over twenty wonderful years on West Avenue in the Fan District where Jack served as mayor for one year and was involved in many of the West Avenue annual events. During this time, he realized he was meant for another career path and so attended Virginia Commonwealth University to obtain a degree in Interior Design. Jack worked as an interior designer for the next 24 years and won several ASID citations before his retirement. He was also a devoted marathon and long-distance runner.
Additionally, Jack was a lifelong churchgoer; he was a member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church for almost 40 years where he served as a deacon and elder as well as being a member of the chancel choir. Jack later became a member of Second Presbyterian Church where he was very active in the choir and volunteered for the Walk-In Ministry.
In the last year of his life, Jack moved to Westminster Canterbury and enjoyed living independently, making many friends, and being actively involved in the Men’s Club, exercise programs, social activities, and art classes.
He was preceded in death by Melissa Anne Martin.
Jack is survived by his children: Taylor Brandt Simms, and grandson Zachary; John Martin Brandt Jr., his wife Yvonne Nelson Brandt, and grandchildren Alex and Anne; Anne Hadley Cole, her husband Herb Asa Cole, and grandchildren Melissa and Macie; and long-time devoted friend David Glover.
A memorial service is planned for November 19, 2022 at 1:00 pm at 2nd Presbyterian Church, 5 N 5th St. Richmond, VA 23219.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Urban Mission Partners Walk-In Ministry; or the Second Presbyterian Church, 5 North Fifth Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
So many fond memories of times with Jack and Lis while I lived in Richmond for a couple of years during the early 70s. This was in addition to summer vacations at Wrightsville Beach. They were both so hospitable and welcoming. Great sense of humor. Jack was always such a warm and affirming personality. He had such a depth of character and wide breadth of skill set. Intellectually powerful. (You had to be to keep up with Lis!). He and my much loved Melissa (the words “zany” and “pleasantly eccentric” come to mind) made such a great team and produced such a wonderful family. It brings me joy to see reflections of Jack and Lis in their children. They are blessed and we were blessed by his life. He will be missed. But I’m sure that there is joy in heaven as he and Lis are reunited. She was taken far too soon. I thank God for their legacy and friendship.
Jack was a true gentleman and friend. He was a great addition to Westminister Canterbury Richmond and his friendly manner will be missed especially among the “Libraty group”.