Jonathan Bownds

Jonathan Duncan Bownds was born in Madison, WI on June 5, 1974. He attended West High 1993, after a year at UW-Stephens Point he t transferred to University of Wisconsin-Madison. He graduated UW-Madison 1997 - BA in Psychology specializating in Neurobiology and Behavior and Co-author of a research paper published in the European Journal of Neuroscience .

After graduation he moved to Austin TX and began working at Dell Computer Co. After several jobs in start ups he and Martin Casey started Praxis Information Science in 2007.
CTO/Owner of Praxis Information Science 2007 - 2016, which they successfully sold to Weidenhammer Systems Corp.

He was a Co author with Bret Williams of Mastering Magento 2 2016 edition : Maximize the power of Magento 2 to create productive online stores

Jon was born active and loved tennis, pingpong, and running.
He was an avid reader with a very large library of books. He spent many summers visiting the NJ shore spending time with his relatives Sandra Talbott (Randy), Susan Krajewski(David) , Martha (Dan Garrick), Stephen and Pat Vanderhoof and his cousins Danielle Garrick Williams, Keith Garrick , Moira Dutton, Claire Vanderhoof, Stephen, Ryan and Chris Talbott, Elisabeth and Tim Krajewski
All will miss him dearly.

Jon was a person of intelligence, kindness, generosity and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
He is predeceased by his grandparents, Marlin D Bownds, Helen M Bownds, Stephen and Muriel Vanderhoof.
He is survived by his sons Sebastian M Bownds, Maxwell M Bownds and ex wife Shana Merlin , sister Sarah Bownds(JT Smith), parents Marilyn Vanderhoof, M Deric Bownds, as well as extended family members

Family and friends will be invited to attend a celebration of his life in Madison WI at a date to be determined in late June 2026.

Jon's neighborhood remembrance.

Jon and I used to tool around West Austin on bikes, nearly every weekend at some point, pushing ourselves up the hills in 90-degree weather, and usually ending at his place for a can of ice-cold flavored sparkling water. When we weren't huffing and puffing, we talked about the big ideas and the great books, and he introduced me to many more than I did him. That's just one of the many ways reasons that I will now feel forever in his debt.

Infinite Jest was one of those books. We both admired the way it cut straight to the struggles we all face to simply BE in a world that not only expects us to perform, but also to keep one eye on our own performance at all times. On one of our bike trips, we passed a mother deer that could not leave the side of its dead fawn stricken in the middle of the road. I will always remember Jon as the man who was able to unselfconsciously, tearfully commiserate with another being.

I feel deeply honored to have known Jon and for all the time he spent with me.

I was at a party of a friend of a friend during my college years in Austin and feeling dejected and anti social after a recent break up. So like any good introverted party guest, I focused on the objects in the house. One of them was a Legend of Zelda video game. Probably for N64? Anyway, this is where Jonathan came in. It turned out, he lived in the house, and this was his Zelda game. We launched into a nerdy discussion about the storied video game series and became fast friends and exchanged contact info. I really needed a friend around that time, and he delivered! We’d hang out and talk about games and politics and movies. He was such a kind person and full of positive energy, always smiling. He fit right in at our big house parties, and I was so happy when my friend Shana caught his eye. Thank you to Jon forever for being a true bright spot of happy friendship.

Photos are from 2000, 2004, and 2019. The 2000 one is in the house I shared with roommates on Salado street, which we learned that Jonathan had coincidentally lived in years earlier!

Neighbor Susan VS remembers Jon teaching her sons tennis in the summer." He was such a positive role model and a great teacher for my sons."

Note from Anne Keller and Lloyd Sinclair -
Jon was a wonderful boy, then man. He was a generous and kind friend to Jason in their teens. We always enjoyed seeing Jon and being with him. We saw him maybe a decade ago and thoroughly enjoyed what a terrific smart, engaging man he had become.

I have so many beautiful memories. How could I ever choose one? But one thing that I remember very clearly about Jon is how much he adored cooking breakfast for his boys and my girls. He would wake up every Saturday morning with an electric whisk in hand and a gleam in his eyes as he got out the bowl to make pancakes. I had to explain to him at some point that you can, in fact, over the batter. He made me look it up and prove it to him. ;) All 4 kids lined up smiling on the breakfast counter as he flipped pancakes. He loved deeply with his whole heart. All who knew him benefited from his loving presence, his wit and his wisdom.

Jon was one of the liveliest people I ever met. I worked with him professionally and enjoyed spending time with him personally. He and I took an improv class together as well as co-authored a book on Magento.

Rest well, my friend.

I knew Jon in high school through mutual friends, Amy and Rhea. He was always a really sweet and sincere person. Seeing photos of him here, you can feel his kindness. Sending love to his family, other friends and children.

I met Jon in 1999 when I first moved to Austin. He had also just moved here and we bonded over both being UW Madison alumni and Wisconsinites! We were housemates at a fabulous 1920's Hyde Park bungalow in 2000, occupying it with his cat Perry and my two kitties. I found a litter of newly born kittens on the UT drag and brought them home; together we bottle fed and helped raise FIVE more kitties! His Lucy cat came from that litter. I eventually helped Jon buy and sell a couple of his Austin homes, and we remained dear friends throughout our joint time here in Austin. I will always remember his charmisma, smile, and amazing intelligence. He was incredibly loyal to his family and friends, had the best laugh, and adored his two sons. I'll always remember him as a soul sparkle who lived his life to the fullest.

May Jon's memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Wishing peace and comfort during this difficult time.

A great colleague and a truly kind person. During the five or six years we worked together, his trust and generosity meant a lot to me. Even though we didn’t stay in close touch, the impact he had on those years of my life will always stay with me. He’ll be deeply missed.

I will remember Jonathan as a kind and generous person who loved everything tech and books! We spent time discussing the latest book he was reading or the newest tech he was geeking out on. He worked with me at Hanger and even the short time he was there everybody was touched by his positivity and kindness - we will miss you, Jonathan!

Jon was to me a true friend. But above all, he was a devoted father, who loved his kids more than anything in the world. We shared long and profound talks about parenting, discussing different raising strategies, and why not, doubting ourselves. I will miss his kindness, his candor and the way he treasured his values and worked hard to pass them on to his kids. I will miss you more than what I can say my friend. I will never forget you.

I knew Jon in high school. I was half out of my mind with angst and all sorts of family issues and presented all of it by being as loud and obnoxious as possible. Jon saw through all of it. He was kind to me when I needed kindness the most — and there was a steadiness in that kindness that I'll never forget. It's been decades (high school!) since I last spoke with Jon, but he made a lifelong, lasting impression. I'm so glad he was a part of my world. And I hope for healing and send love to his family and large number of loved ones.

Jon and I were friends and classmates in High School. Most memorably, he was driving the Volvo station wagon full of teenagers which got pulled over on University Ave by eight cop cars blocking traffic in both directions. With guns drawn, they ordered us out of the vehicle one by one with our hands up to be cuffed and placed in the backs of the waiting cruisers. And all this over a water gun (admittedly, a pretty realistic looking one) one of us had picked up one the way out of my house.
This became great fodder for discussion in Mr. Dean’s infamous “Criminal Justice” class, where we got to read books with bad words in them.
Even through we didn’t stay in touch much after high school, when our 10th reunion came around he immediately offered to host me in that same cool apartment (condo?) with the gazebo on the lawn and drive me around (I never did learn to drive) telling funny stories from the golden age of computer customer service calls.
That was Jon - kind, thoughtful, and generous.
I’m so sorry to hear of his untimely death. Sending my sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.

I met Jon thru YRUU when I was in 7th or 8th grade and he was older and (definitely) wiser. When I got to high school, he was the big brother who helped show me the ropes, gave me rides to YRUU conferences before I had my license, and was always an encouraging presence in the halls. He was proudly the first, and for a while, the only boy in our school’s Teens For Choice club and has always been considered my first example of what a male feminist should be.
He was a truly devoted friend, always eager to connect and lend an ear - or to bend yours.
My heart is with his family, his boys, and all who loved him. He will be dearly missed.
Amy

I met Jon thru YRUU when I was in 7th or 8th grade and he was older and (definitely) wiser. When I got to high school, he was the big brother who helped show me the ropes, gave me rides to YRUU conferences before I had my license, and was always an encouraging presence in the halls. He was proudly the first, and for a while, the only boy in our school’s Teens For Choice club and has always been considered my first example of what a male feminist should be.
He was a truly devoted friend, always eager to connect and lend an ear - or to bend yours.
My heart is with his family, his boys, and all who loved him. He will be dearly missed.

Jon and I met in high school and immediately became very close. We stayed good friends all these years and have kids the same age. I am devastated that he is gone so soon. Jon was supposed to be visiting with me and my family the week he passed. Jon we love you.

Rhea Vedro

Jon, who was my first born nephew was born during my teenage years. My twin sister and I were thrilled to welcome a new baby to the family. Although he resided in Wisconsin, we spent quality time with him during the summers in Avon at the Jersey Shore. I vividly remember my sister entrusting him to our care, along with my mother’s, while she and Deric traveled to Japan. As a young boy he was energetic and fun loving making our time with him truly enjoyable. I also cherish memories of him attending numerous family reunions I hosted in Freehold celebrating his Grandmother’s birthday. He grew into a remarkable intelligent man and I treasure the memories we shared. Despite the geographical distance, he maintained a strong bond with our family. His untimely death has left me heartbroken. I send my heartfelt sympathy and condolences.
Love,
Aunt Sandie

Jon was an amazing tennis player. We used to play/rally in high school. He was also such a kind person. 💔

Hi Sarah,

I'm writing to share some treasured memories of Jon. A memory my brothers and I have is spending time with him at our August family reunions. Ryan, Chris, and I loved hanging with him and talking to him about his life in Austin, TX. He was outgoing/energetic, well spoken, drove a Tesla (which was like a cool spaceship circa 2011), and he was super smart and knowledgeable about everything technology. He shared lots of interesting information about his work doing programming/coding, the company he ran, and what his life in Austin, TX was like.

Another fond memory we have is spending time with him and Aunt Marilyn in October 2022 in Austin, TX. Chris and I flew from Mexico City to Austin, and we met up with Jon multiple times while we were there. The first time, we had dinner at a great Mexican spot where we spent all dinner catching up with Jon, Aunt Marilyn, and Deric. We also hung with Jon, Max, and Sebastian at the beach volleyball courts near Aunt Marilyn's apartment on our trip. It was heartwarming to see the admiration and love Max and Sebastian had for their dad and the affection he shared with them in return. It was a wonderful visit, and it is a memory I am so grateful we made now looking back.

A third memory I have is visiting Madison, WI during Fall of my junior year at Purdue with about ten of my teammates on the baseball team. We came into town for the Purdue vs. Wisconsin football game, and Aunt Marilyn was generous enough to host a bunch of rowdy college kids. We spent time with Jon while we were there, and we played some serious games of ping pong in the basement. He was really good!!!! I don't think any of us were able to beat him in a game.

Attached are some pictures I found from the memories mentioned above. I hope they remind you, as they do for us, of the happy times and moments we shared together. We love Jon, we love you & family, and we are so very sorry for your loss.

All our love,

The Talbotts

Hi Sarah,

I don't need to tell you this but your brother was a great guy and I'm going to miss him. While i hadn't seen him much over the years, I was lucky enough to find myself in Austin visiting Melissa's best friends family who had moved there and was able to meet up with him for lunch. I'm very grateful to have been able to meet up with him that day.

Going back to childhood, I always remember looking forward to when my cousin Jonathan was coming down from Wisconsin. I followed him around and he taught me how to play Nintendo. He was always kind to me. One particular time when he stayed at our house I remember going to the movies with you, him, my mom, and sister. We didn't want to watch the movie you guys were seeing but wanted to watch Terminator 2. Since he was 17 we went off and watched that instead. I wish I was able to see more of him over the years, I can't believe he's gone.

Love you guys.
Keith

Thanksgiving, I'm forgetting which year.

That time Jon forced me to hold Max after I had just said "I don't hold children."

July 4, 2017 at Shorewood Hills 4th of July party. Jon and Sebastian with then girlfriend Veronica and her daughters.

hike to new sculpture at Pease Park, Austin TX