MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — John Whitman, the husband of former Republican Gov. Christine Todd Whitman and New Jersey's first-ever first gentleman, died Thursday. He was 71.

He died at Morristown Medical Center after suffering a catastrophic brain injury in mid-June, said Heather Grizzle, a spokeswoman for Todd Whitman.

John Whitman was an investment banker who served as a managing partner at Princeton-based Sycamore Ventures. He served as New Jersey's first gentleman from 1994 to 2001.

"He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and we are heartbroken to lose his presence in our lives," Todd Whitman said in a statement. "I am so grateful for the thoughts and prayers of so many who have showered our family with their love over these past two weeks."

John Whitman was an Army veteran and graduate of Yale and Harvard Business School. He was born in Albany, New York, into a prominent political family. His grandfather was New York Gov. Charles Whitman, who served from 1915 to 1918.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.