Devoted husband, loving father and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Flint, MI. on April 13, 2025, at the age of 50. Cremation has taken place.

A rosary and memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 2316 Coldwater Road, Flint, MI 48505 on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

Despite his long fight with pancreatic cancer, John’s journey was marked by resilience and strength in the face of adversity, complicated by the challenges of multiple strokes that he bravely endured. John’s battle with health issues did not diminish his spirit. Even as his body weakened, his determination and the love of those around him remained a source of comfort and strength.

Throughout his health challenges, John’s greatest source of strength and comfort was his beloved wife, who selflessly cared for him after his strokes. Her unwavering dedication, love, and support were the pillars that held him up, and he was forever grateful for her presence in his life.

Born on February 10, 1975, in Seguin, Texas, John’s life was divided between two beloved states: Texas and Michigan. He spent half his life in the Lone Star State, embracing its spirit and warmth, and the other half in Michigan, appreciating its changing seasons.

John was a man of diverse interests. He was an avid sports fan, passionately supporting the Dallas Cowboys and enjoying countless Sundays cheering them on. In his downtime, John enjoyed unwinding with crime scene documentaries and spent hours watching YouTube channels focused on survival skills, learning new techniques and strategies for thriving in the great outdoors. He was also a great jokester and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

John is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Andrea, his daughter Cassandra Garcia of Chesaning and Detroit, his mother, Irene Castillo of New Braunfels, Texas, his sister Gloria Mata of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, his brothers Sebastian (Sandra) Mata and Mark Mata, both of Seguin, Texas, Roger (Liza) Perez of Floydada, Texas. His mother-in-law Maria (Kenneth) Kliewer of Davison, MI, father-in-law Peter (Vanassa) Shuart of Casa Grande, Arizona, and sister in law Ashley Shuart of Davison, MI. and nurmerous nieces and nephews. All of their love and support meant the world to him.

He is proceeded in death by his Welo, Ama, Tio Joe, Tia Angel, and Primo Jesse.