In Memory of John Faulhaber (J5 Designs) (1 Viewer)

I'm stunned by this news. It's heartbreaking. I had been trying to reach him the past couple months to finish some work we started over a year ago. I knew he had heath issues but didn't know they were life threatening. So very sad and a giant loss to the community.
 
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In memory of, played it both times

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My heart breaks for his young family. I only hope they can find peace and comfort in time.

John was an incredibly talented young man who made everyone feel like their project was his most important. He had a real knack of translating thoughts and stick drawings into museum worthy, circular works of art. He would always give you what you asked for and also, what you wanted. As many of us know that was usually two different concepts. If you're like me, you didn't know what you wanted till John showed you a proof sheet with a dozen ideas. Then, much like getting hit with a bolt of lightning you found it, there it was, number 7 of 12. Worst case scenario, you couldn't decide and posted a poll here. The feedback was always positive and in great abundance.

In 2008 John designed the TR King logo for me and I will be forever grateful to have had the experience to work with a true genius. I genuinely believe he is the father of custom chips and has inspired other designers to work on a 7/8" medium. His art and contributions to the hobby will live on forever much like the respect and admiration he earned.

Thank you, John, for everything you've done. The chip world is more beautiful because of you.
 
Damn, I am just seeing this. Johnny helped me design my first ever set. We would go back and forth, spitballing ideas until he made sure I was in love with the final product. He even texted me out of the blue when he saw my thread about selling my sets. We exchanged pleasantries, talked about our families and kids, not knowing that he was battling something himself. Made what I was going through trivial in comparison. The community lost a GOAT and a great human being. RIP in poker heaven, J5.

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Bummer. Was just reading over some of his posts on one of my chip threads. Always thoughtful and generous with advice. Rest easy
 
This is terrible news. I've been admiring Johnny's work ever since joining the forum. I never worked with him and am a total stranger, but still feel a loss. Few people are fortunate enough to positively impact as many people as personally has J5 did. Rest in peace.
 
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
 

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