Who is JBL?

His name is John Charles Layfield. No, I don't watch wrestling, but a quick Google search brought this up.

WWE Profile

He is the former APA member Bradshaw!

JBL is an american professional wrestler from New York, he is now retired from the ring, but currently works as an MFL commentator. JBL stands for his ring name, John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL was most remembered for always being drove to the stage by a white limo with a bulls horns on the front, then getting into the ring in his underpants and losing to different people! That's how I remember him.

Is he the one that just passed away?

No, he did not pass away.