J Nolan “J-Man” Brave Rock (Spear Chief)
December 21, 1992 – October 28, 2023

J Nolan “J-Man” Brave Rock was surrounded by loved ones when he was called home to be with Creator on October 28, 2023. J is the beloved husband of Melissa Cotton, loving father to Nevaeh, Rita, Jayce, and cherished son of Stephanie Spear Chief and Mark Brave Rock.

J was born on December 21, 1992 in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was born into a big family, being the tenth and youngest child. Naturally, being the baby brother, J was always protected by his older siblings. At a young age, he was given the nickname “J-Man” by maternal great-grandmother, Isabel Spear Chief. From then on, he would be known as “J-man” by his siblings, cousins and friends. J grew up in Lethbridge and the Blood Reserve; having been blessed to experience home on the Spear Chief ranch and Red Crow/Day Chief homestead. As a young child and into adolescence, J loved to be outside, whether it be exploring Lethbridge or on the reserve, down the hill behind Grandma’s. He grew up with a love for caring for Grandma Spear Chief’s cows, as Grandma Rita taught him, Starly and Letisha how to care for the newborn calves. When it came branding season, he looked forward to spending time with and helping his Spear Chief family with all the new calves. J attended St. Mary’s Elementary in Lethbridge and then Cardston Jr High and Cardston High School, where he played football for the CHS Cougars and entered into local races and track & field. It is also this time that he advanced his talent for artwork, whether it be on “Paint” or on paper. For the entirety of his life, J valued the importance of play with his cars, wrestlers, and with his children as they got older.

In 2010, J met the love of his life, Melissa. J and Melissa were best friends and no matter what challenge came their way, they overcame it. On October 19, 2023, J and Melissa were married before Creator, their children and family at the Chinook Regional Hospital. In 2014, they welcome their first child, Nevaeh Dawn, and then in 2016, Everleigh Rita was born, with their son, Jayce Nolan, arriving in 2021. J was strict with his daughters and always voiced his amazement with their achievements and athleticism. He was a very interactive father who provided his children with love that will last a lifetime.

J had a close bond with his mother, Stephanie. He always reminded his mom of how much he loved her. It was always his mom and his sisters, Starly and Letisha under the same household, taking care of the kids and taking small trips to Calgary and Edmonton. J also had a close bond with his father, Mark, whom he could always count on to support him in caring for his little family over the years. Last, with Starly, Letisha and J being the youngest, they were inseparable throughout life. When it came to the kids or relocation or planning for the future, they always considered one another no matter what.

J was a simple and traditional man who valued family. He often talked about the simplicity of the 90’s and early 2000’s, where being outside was the norm and there was no internet or social media. J had numerous pastimes but his favorites were WWE wrestling, gaming and artwork, which he was shown by big brothers, Jesse and Carl. He would get so excited when Carl would put on WrestleMania and begin commentating with each of his siblings being delegated a wrestler as they entered the ring. Overall, J’s pastimes and favorite things came from his childhood memories of family being together. His most recent memorable memory with family was the day of his wedding, when Jeremy, Braden, and Bleu got him ready to say “I do” to Melissa. His mother recalls seeing him walking to the Ceremony Room, with his brothers by his side, smiling. J had many memories with his brothers that meant everything to him. He is going to be deeply missed by all those loved him.

J is survived by his wife, Melissa Cotton; children: Nevaeh, Rita, and Jayce; parents, Stephanie Spear Chief and Mark Brave Rock; siblings: Aloni, Oshana (Jorge), Jesse (Lennie), Seiyah, Starly and Letisha; step-sisters: Shawna (Taran) and Leslie Weasel Fat; adopted brothers: Braden (Paige), Rowdy, Kyle, Jeremy (Charmaine), Avery, Coleman, Dylan, Bleu, Marcel (Brooke), Derrick and Brad; nieces and nephews: Lendrix, Noella, Ka’ksimo, Se’uliq, Jaylynn, Leshay, Presley, Hunter, Riley, Joseph, Everette, Acacia, Sioux, Delilah, Suzette, Ezra, Victoria, Samuel, Celeste, Galena, Julius, Emma, Hazen, Xander, Jordan, Jaya, Jaiden, Jett, Cashlyn, Chaselyn, Richard, Peyton, and Destiny; in laws: Donald Sr. and Barbara Cotton, Don, Chris, John, Brandon, Matthew, Kristian, and Kylie Cotton; paternal aunties and uncles: Wanda Hind Bull, Faron Brave Rock, Delores Big Swallow, Kim (Gary) Scout, Carla (Bruce) Wells, Molly (Rex) Davis, Laura (Ross) Blackwater, and Veronica (Travis) Calf Robe; maternal aunties and uncles: Lena Chief Calf, Gertrude, Monica, Gloria, Margaret, Carolyn (Kevin), Kelvin (Betty), Melvin (Merle), Weston, Yolanda, Charlene, Renita, Pam, Tracy (Geoff), Charles, Keith (Rita) Red Crow and Rocky Brave Rock.

J is predeceased by siblings: Carl, Galena, and Shawnee Brave Rock; nieces: Teesh Morigeau and Raegan Wells; step-father, Keith Day Chief; grandparents: Rita Spear Chief, Leonard Brave Rock, Florence and Wilfrid Brave Rock; paternal great-grandparents: Jim Sr. and Molly Wells, Ernest and Maggie Brave Rock; maternal great-grandparents: Allen and Isabel Spear Chief, Ted and Annie Brave Rock; paternal uncles and aunties: Elmer Wells, Ernest James, Galena, Dennis, Gary Brave Rock, John Heavy Runner, and Leslie “Foot” Big Swallow; maternal uncles and aunties: Leonard Jr. Brave Rock, Ross Brave Rock, Lorna Sinclair, Alma and Janis Spear Chief and Leslie Jr, Buckskin; cousins: Genie and Isabel Spear Chief, Dustin Scout, Shania Blackstar, and Willow Brave Rock.
J’s extended family include Wells, Spear Chief, Good Rider, Knife, Shot Both Sides, and Long Time Squirrels. We apologize for any names that may have been missed.

The family of J would like to give special thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, Indigenous Liaisons and staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital.

A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAYS SAINTS, 2213 – 6A Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop Ed Wilson officiating.

Following the Funeral Service, J will be laid to rest on the Blood Reserve.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2023-10-28
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta