John Robert Mann, aged 76, of Stevensville, Montana, died in early March, 2023 from natural causes. John was born on January 13, 1947 and grew up in Victor, NY. He was an Eagle Scout, debate team captain, concert meister and member of the National Honor Society. He graduated with honors from Victor High School in 1965. He completed his bachelor’s degree in English at State University of New York at Albany and a Masters in English at State University of New York at Geneseo. He taught English and History in public schools in New York and California.
John was a consummate musician. Trained early on as a classical violinist, he became enamored with bluegrass music in college and learned to play guitar and banjo. He practiced picking every day, emulating masters Tony Rice and Doc Watson. His love of the guitar was a life-long passion which he shared by mentoring younger musicians and donating instruments to schools as well as other musicians.
John’s love of bluegrass and folk music led him to join local jams around the Bitterroot Valley, and eventually inspired him to form the band “tincup” with close friends Timothy Ezzell, Jacqueline Brazil, and Pam Small. Playing lead guitar and harmonizing, John brought joy to listeners at venues all over the valley.
John’s other interests included marathon running, amateur photography and ham radio.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Jane Mann, and his wife Debbie. He is survived by his brother Robert Mann Jr. and his sister Roxanne Cullen; his sons Lawrence Mann and Peter Blase; his many friends in music; and his loving canine companion, WG.
There will be no service, but sometime this spring there will be a bluegrass and folk music jam in John’s honor. For now, donations in his memory may be made to the Bitterroot Human Society (bitterroothumane.org) or Bitterroot Health (www.bitterroothealth.org/forms/donatenow).