About John
John's Story
John was born in Irving, Texas in 1983. He lived with a foster family and several different friends over the years. He had many personal struggles, but persevered and had a tenacious spirit. John’s friends were his family.
Despite many obstacles, he earned his Bachelors degree in Business with a minor in Economics and Law from West Texas A&M University in 2018. He planned to complete his MBA degree at the University of Texas at Dallas.
John volunteered his time to many charitable causes, in addition to singing in the choir at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth. He was a social butterfly, kind-hearted, intelligent, determined, and an inspiration to many people.
John passed away unexpectedly in 2021 at the age of 38. He is survived by his husband, Brandon.
We know John would be proud of the work done in his name for the causes he held dear to his heart.
Memories of John
John Paul Kundra was always the life of the party. I first met John in Jr. High when I moved to the D/FW area and we bonded over our shared love of video games, cartoons, and Pro Wrestling. We became fast friends with our only divergence in high school being when John joined the Choir and I joined the marching band. "Choir people perform indoors and I'm not the marching type," he told me. Eventually, John started staying over at my place more often than he was at home and we decided he should just move in instead of staying at an apartment mostly by himself that he had to help pay for. John stayed in college much longer than I did and even though he didn't finish at his first run, he went back and got his degree and proudly kept forging forward to find the best Masters Program he could. John loved helping people. Whether it was just a ride for a friend, part of his job, or the hundreds of unsolicited calls and texts his friends got whenever he was bored. His sense of humor was the best. In the greatest prank I've ever been a part of, John convinced me to unknowingly purchase my senior wardrobe from the new FUBU clothing line which everyone at school found hilarious. John was always thinking of others. He was a people person through and through. Always checking in to see how everyone was and needing to make sure that those in his life he cared about were ok and thriving even if he had just spoken to them a day or two prior. Though I loathed actually talking on the phone, now I miss those calls even more than I thought I hated them. John will always have a special place in my heart and I will never forget how he helped me become the person I am today. I can only hope that he has all the fellowship he needs now that he's moved on from this life.
- Mike Craft
My first memory of John was on the school bus headed to Eureka, the gifted and talented program, in elementary school. I distinctly remember he was wearing a 106.1 KISS FM t-shirt. At the time, I had no idea about the severe struggles he faced in his home life. We also attended the same junior high and high school and shared some mutual friends over the years.
We became much closer during our “Denton days” in our early 20s. As adults, John had his personal ups and downs, but his perseverance was unstoppable. His accomplishments, despite the obstacles he overcame to achieve them, were truly inspiring. He was a social butterfly who maintained countless circles of friends. He was always smiling and kept a positive outlook, even when facing adversity of his own. John’s friends were his family.
In the last few years of his life, my husband and I both considered him one of our very best friends. The number of phone calls exchanged between us was ridiculous. He was definitely a talker. He referred to me as Curly Sue, Teach, and Sister. Every phone call with John ended with “I love you.” I still sometimes expect to see his name pop up on my phone again.
The sudden loss of John has deeply impacted me and those closest to him. His hopeful energy improved the lives of others, and he positively affected the causes he cared about most. Everyone should strive to be a friend like John.
- Shannon Everett
John was one of the most loyal and best individuals I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I met John back in junior high choir at Bowie Middle School where we became instant best friends and when John claimed you as one of his people, it was for life. We were inseparable. I loved John like a brother and admired is drive and dedication towards success despite whatever obstacles life laid in his path. I moved away from Dallas in 2007, but despite the distance John made sure to always take time to call at least once a week to check in on me and my family, a call I dearly miss in the present. If I wasn't able to answer, I would get a voicemail that would say, "Hey Mr. Boisclair, just calling to check in and see how you and the family were doing. I love you brother." John was the type of person to always be there for you, no matter how far and he will forever be missed.
- Jeremiah Boisclair
John was in my Bowie Choir from 6th through 8th grade. He was quiet and shy at first, but once he picked up on my weird sense of humor, I could see it in his eyes—he got it. John, along with Tony and Steve, became regulars in my room before and after school. They loved playing Sim City on my classroom desktop, and some days they’d hang out until I finally locked up and headed home—sometimes with a ride from me.
John usually asked to be dropped off a little ways from his house. I knew his home life was complicated, but I never pressed, and he never felt ready to talk about it. Still, he became one of those students a teacher never forgets—more than a student, really, like one of my own kids.
My wife and I once took John (and a couple of others) to church. It was probably way too liturgical for him—a Lutheran service, a bit over the top for a kid just beginning to explore faith. Years later, though, I was deeply blessed to reconnect with John and hear about his faith journey and his involvement in a church community in Fort Worth—even as he shared some honest frustrations. What mattered most to me was knowing he had found faith and a community of believers.
I will always be grateful for the time I had with John and for the place he holds in my heart.
- Michael Hill
John was the kind of person to take note. To watch and listen. He cared and loved. The kind of friend that cared enough to learn what your wife and kids were into so that he could buy a birthday present that meant something. He was a fierce defender of the needy and underprivileged. He would be proud that his name is being carried on in a meaningful endeavour, to help those who could use a lift. I will forever hold the memory of John dear. Love you buddy.
- Tyson
