Thomas James Braun

Thomas James Braun was born on July 27, 1972 in Milwaukee, WI with a spirit as wild as the mountains he loved to climb and a heart as vast as the world he explored. Still making plans for his next adventure, Tom passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025 at home. His life was a testament to adventure, exploration, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and experience.
Tom was the second of four children born to James and Judy Braun. Like a lot of second born children, Tom was a risk-taker and independent. He kept close relationships with many of the friends from his youth. Family was also very important to Tom. Although he had no children of his own, Tom took every opportunity he could to spend time with his nephews and nieces, often joining in on family vacations encouraging them to be active, adventurous and live life to the fullest.
Tom graduated from the University of Iowa with an English degree and moved to Seattle shortly after. In Seattle while working as a bike courier, he earned his law degree at the Seattle University School of Law in 2003. In 2008 he was selected to Rising Stars, a designation as a top-rated attorney as recognized by his peers.
When not working, Tom was traveling, mountain climbing, golfing, skiing or riding his bicycle. He completed RAGBRAI whenever he could, once riding his bike for 3 ½ weeks from Seattle to Iowa to join the start. Tom's journeys took him all over Asia, Europe, and Mexico. As his skiing often took him places most people feared to go, Tom also earned his certificate to assist in avalanche search and rescue teams.
When not exploring new landscapes, Tom could often be found immersed in books. He had a profound love for deep, sometimes heated, discussions about life's biggest questions. He was always ready to engage in debates on religion, politics, and the meaning of existence. Those who knew him understood that his arguments weren't about proving a point but about exploring the many facets of human thought and pushing the boundaries of intellectual curiosity.
Tom leaves behind a legacy of daring spirit, sharp wit, and a deep love for life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Braun. He is survived by his father, James Braun; his siblings, Dave (Michelle) Braun of Oviedo, FL; Lisa (Bret) Patterson of Hazel Green, WI; and Kevin (Maria) Braun of Peosta, IA; his nephews and nieces Ben, Bryant, Jacob, Corey, Paula, Sarah, Teresa, Jeremy and Timothy. He also leaves behind his companion and wife of 7 years, Lesley Schwartz of Clearwater, FL. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.