John Charles Broad, the long-time owner of JD's Chippery passed away at 80 years old on August 29, 2024 in Dallas. John was known affectionately as the "cookie man" or the "muffin man" to many. He was called "Papa" or "Grandpa John" by his grandchildren and "Dear" by his wife Julie. John's quick wit and boisterous personality entertained his family, friends and customers throughout his life.

John grew up in Hillsborough, California, but lived in Cleveland for several years working for the Equitable Life Company. He moved back to California where he discovered his gift for opening and running restaurants. He worked for Carl's, Jr and Olga's Kitchen opening new stores throughout the US, eventually landing with his soulmate Julie in Texas in 1979. He was a man who always wanted to be his own boss, so he and Julie decided to open a "keep it simple" kind of business in 1983. John chose University Park to open a cookie and muffin store, which is as unique as he was. John used the store as his stage, connecting with customers and befriending everyone who walked through the door. He never met a stranger and could talk to anybody. After John retired, his wife Julie continued operating the store, and now forty-one years later, their daughter Amy continues to serve sweet treats to the Dallas community.

John loved cars, boats, music, singing (even in grocery stores!), his family and the Lord. His black Corvette had a license plate that read AweSum. The elevator in his home was decorated with family pictures, trinkets his grandkids made for him, and you could always find him playing the records he cherished from his own father on his vintage turntable. He had a collection of crosses on the wall of his office to celebrate the Lord, and his beloved dog Snickers' ashes in view. John had a vibrant personality that could not be ignored, and he made everybody laugh. There is a great void in the world without his presence.

He is survived by his wife Julie, his beloved daughters Victoria and Amy, his sister Pamela, his 5 adoring grandchildren, his two sons-in-law Jon and Noah and his mother and father-in-law Rosemary and Ronald. John had the biggest heart and loved his family beyond imagination.

John's life will be celebrated at Highland Park Presbyterian Church on September 16, 2024 at 11am in the Sanctuary. A reception will follow in the Hunt Lobby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Texas Health Resources Foundation (P.O. Box 200038, Arlington, TX 76006 https://www.texashealth.org/Foundation/Donations) or to Highland Park Presbyterian Church (3821 University Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205 www.hppres.org) both of which looked after John throughout his life.