John Jacob Brown

John "Jay" Brown Graham was born on July 2, 1987, at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, to Terry (Bagley) Graham and John Brown. He was lovingly welcomed home by his big sister, Nicole Brown.

When Jay was three years old, his mother remarried Clint "Jamie" Graham, who soon became not only a stepfather, but simply "Dad." Together, they began a new journey as a military family, moving from place to place. With every move, Jay was always the first to introduce himself to the neighbors, a gift of openness and warmth that he carried throughout his life.

To know Jay was to love him. He was full of life, love, and energy-always ready with a smile, a laugh, or a helping hand. He made friends easily and kept them for a lifetime. Jay was the first to show up in times of crisis and the last to leave, steadfastly loyal to those he cared about. He would give away the shirt off his back, the food off his plate, or the last dollar in his wallet, believing that someone else always needed it more. Generous, kind, and deeply loyal, Jay embodied the kind of selflessness we should all strive to live by.

Family was the center of Jay's world. He cherished time with his mom, dad, sisters, nephews, and niece, and considered many of his friends to be family as well. He was always up for a last-minute adventure-even if he had no idea what he was walking into. His spontaneity, love for life, and unwavering heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jay's passing has left countless hearts broken. He is survived by his mother, Terry; dad, Jamie Graham; sisters, Nicole Brown and Aislinn Heckman (Kristian); nephews, Kaedyn McVey, Kamryn Smith, and Malachi Brannen; niece, Payton Retzlaff; grandmother, Janet; uncle, Scott Graham; uncle, Brian (Kim) Vestal and aunts, Chrissy Graham of Bettendorf and his Aunt Becky Graham of Des Moines ; many cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends. He is also survived by his grandmother, Jan Lawson-Graham, who heartbreakingly passed away just days after Jay, on September 27, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his Grandma Dwala and Grandpa John Brown; great grandparents, George and Lois Barton, great grandparents, Clinton J. Sr. and Helen Graham; and his great-grandmother, "Aunt Dolly" Graham-Russi.

Jay has been cremated. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 3:00-8:00 PM at the Grandview-Mahaffey Enclosed Shelter in Grandview Park, Des Moines, Iowa.