I logged in to share a few thoughts about John. Thanks to Mr. Tree for letting me know the sad news.
John was the first graphic artist I ever worked with. For obvious reasons, he would be the last. His skill at mastering the small canvas was match only by his patience. I suppose working with J5 cost me many thousands of dollars but I would consider it money more than well spent. If any other person on this earth has made this adult feel like a child on Christmas morning, it was John. I can remember literally making patients wait in my office while I opened an email with the next iteration design proofs from J5.
My first major effort with John was "Chateau De Noix." I can remember pitching him the idea of a faux winery to celebrate my interest in wine. I was sure he was going to laugh at the absurdity, especially the name, which roughly translates to House of Nutz (a pun on poker and my career). To my surprise, he dove all in with me. He contributed not just art, but great ideas! He also corrected all of my spelling if memory serves. And so it was, together we made CdN a reality. The cherry on top was his design of the dealer button, which he titled "Sommelier; " a true stroke of genius.
By then I had caught the custom bug. CdN2 was the bistro set to accompany the 5-star original. Again, John delivered just the chalkboard-sign style I was aiming for.
My last project was very special to me. The Dr. Nutz Sex Wax set was conceived as tribute to my wife and her favorite getaway, Maui. The idea was actually conceived while on the island. John again agreed to humor me. And again, he made me feel like a kid. His use of color was absurd. He understood what would and wouldn't work. He was always patient to tried to deliver whatever crazy popped into my head. He was usually successful.
There were plaques and a custom felt too (3 actually). I always felt like I should have paid his kid's college tuition, but his prices were modest. I always tipped him in my secret attempt to tell him he needed to raise his rates.
Over my years working with John, I don't think I ever was able to convey to him, just how perfect I felt his work on CdN to be. He will live forever with us through his work.