Jack Michael Brown, Petty Officer Second Class in the United States Navy, and loving son, brother, grandson, great-grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend to everyone he met, passed away tragically and unexpectedly on May 22.
Jack made a positive impact on all who knew him. He was willing to have conversations with anyone – people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. He made everyone laugh, and he leaves all of his loved ones with memories, stories and smiles on their faces.
Jack was off to a strong start to his career with the Navy, fighting terrorism through his intelligence work at Fort Meade in Maryland. He was nearing his three-year anniversary in the Navy and had recently reenlisted for a second contract and a possible tour of duty on a submarine. According to his commanding officer, he was known for his jokes, maturity, passion and prowess as a cryptologic technician, and he was on track to ascend into a highly valued position on the Director of the National Security Agency Watch Floor.
He was just starting his adult life in Maryland. He met the love of his life, bought a condo, adopted a shelter dog, and was taking college courses part-time in addition to his Navy career. His family was so proud of all the decisions he was making.
Jack was a lover of food, politics, and classic rock music, seeing many of his favorite bands live in concert. As a child, he loved to wear costumes and uniforms and play with Legos, super heroes and Star Wars. He had strong faith and was an active member at church, particularly in youth ministry. He played the trumpet throughout junior high and high school. He played for four years in the high school marching band, including serving as Trumpet Section leader his senior year. He also played in the jazz band.
Most of all, Jack loved being around people. He talked on the phone often with his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and he looked forward to celebrating his 21st birthday with his family during an upcoming vacation. He left such an impression on people that they constantly asked about him and how he was doing in his Navy career and life in Maryland.
Jack is survived by his parents, Jeff and Michelle; his sister, Annika; grandparents Joyce and Larry Matthews, and Flora Jean Ashen; great-grandmother, Marlene Clouser; great-grandfather, Leo Brown; aunts and uncles Matt and Kristin Brown, Erica and Nick Woods, and Cathy and Rob VanderMyde; cousins Jeramy Brown (a fellow sailor), Payton Brown, Karmen Brown, Jameson Woods, and Miranda Ashen; his godfather and lifelong friend, Rocky West; his boyfriend, Kieran Jackson; and countless friends, neighbors, and everyone else who got to know him.
While we grieve because Jack left all of us too soon, we have so many ways to remember him and the certainty that his faith assures his eternal life with his Father in Heaven. He is undoubtedly having wonderful conversations with all the saints who went before him while keeping an eye on his loved ones left behind.
Services: Jack will be remembered at a visitation at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9; a funeral service at St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 7100 Morgan Ford Rd., St. Louis, at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 10; followed by military burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to one of the following:
- The youth ministries at Ascension Lutheran Church, St. Louis, or Trinity Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IL.
- The band program in the Unit 5 School District in Normal, IL.
- The Step Up Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of veteran suicide.
“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.” John 17:13
Jeff, Michelle and family, We we so sad to hear of the loss of Jack. What an incredible young man. Sending prayers and hugs to the family. Unfortunately, we are out of town this weekend so we will miss the service. His memory will live on. ❤️
Jack Brown, Aunt Cathy loves you- I hope you know that.. I’m so VERY proud of you.. I’m so sorry this happened to you… I think about you and Annika everyday. I’m sincerely heartbroken.. you rest now God’s got you and your with some amazing people.. please say hi to grandpa❤️ I love you always Jack Brown – PLEASE never forget that.
My deepest condolences to Jeff and Michelle, and all family and friends.
What a sad and tragic ending to such a remarkable young man! He was obviously loved by all who knew him, and loved life!
Accidents like this sometimes make us question God’s plan! Treasure the memories he leaves behind, & know he will be watching over all of his loved ones.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of his family! May he rest in peace!
Sharon Booker
Dear Jeff, Michelle, and Annika,
Because we had the privilege of getting to know and love Jack, we know how great this loss is for his family and friends. Our family was so fortunate to have such a wonderful addition to our circle and we will miss him terribly. Know that he will be in our hearts, memories and prayers – as will all of you.
Jack truly never met a stranger and could talk to anyone with ease. He was comfortable spending time with our family even when Kieran couldn’t be there with us. He was our go-to when we needed a response text and told (mostly) good jokes. We loved to see his passion for his work and the Navy and were so impressed with his motivation for home ownership and school and so much more. But, more than anything, we loved to see how well he loved Kieran and incorporated him into his plans, his family and his life. What more could a parent ask for in a partner for their son?
Sending you so much love and care. May Jack rest in peace.
Love, Chris Jackson
Jeff, Michelle, and Annika – I am heartbroken to hear this news about your son and brother Jack. I had the pleasure of meeting the 3 of you through fitness classes, but unfortunately I didn’t get to meet Jack. From what is shared it seems easy to understand why you are so proud of him and why he’ll be so deeply missed. My sincerest condolences from my family to yours – David
The first time I met Jack he was around 2 and it was at Michelle’s baby shower for Annika. Mom and I had gotten him a Scooby Doo stuffed animal that was almost as big as him. He carried it out around the whole time at the shower. We always heard great stories from Joyce about the grandchildren and what they were doing. When I heard Jack was going into the navy we were excited for him in his career. Jack was a great person and he will be missed so much. My condolences to his family and friends. Jack may you rest in Gods arms. All our love Linda, Jason and Amy Fuller
Christine and I are so very grieved by Jack’s passing. He was a fine Christian man. Our condolences to all of you. Pastor and Christine Spomer.
You don’t know me, but I am an old sailor myself. I just observed the dignified transfer of your son’s remains onto the plane to for his final flight home from Maryland.
My most sincere condolences to your family, friends and the shipmates who will assuredly miss this young man dearly. God bless the men and women who take the oath, defend our freedom, and forever have these words etched into their very being:
I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
Final flight…. Jack Brown😢 thank you for your service, ❤️
Thank you for your service
Jack was a wonderful loving person. My condolences and prayers are with all his family. May he rest in peace
Jack made every day brighter. It’s sad knowing he’s gone but even better knowing he’s watching over us with the angels.
Jack was such a special guy. I had many classes with him at Normal Community High School, and I looked forward to everyone. He was someone you could always count on for a good laugh, and he was not afraid to give me a hard time. He will definitely be missed by many.
I can still remember Jack’s smile as he ushered at Trinity Lutheran Church. I’m hopeful that your family has lots of special memories that will help ease your loss. He was quite a guy!
Diana Behnke
I remember when Jack first came to Normal. He told me that I was his first friend, and we had many shared laughs together. He was always a joy to be around, and anyone you ask would agree. Jack was truly an icon, as we would all say, and he was just a great guy overall. I will cherish our memories always, and he will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure in knowing him. I could go on and on about Jack, but truly it’s hard to even write this. My condolences go out to his family. Rest easy, buddy.
Although I met Jack many years ago, I have heard so many great stories about him, that I felt I knew him.
His courage was remarkable, even from a distance. I have been very impressed by what a great young man he had grown up to be.
Regina King said, “Grief is love, with no place to go”.
He was loved greatly
My heart is broken to hear the news of Jack’s death. I worked at the Lutheran Church in Laurel, MD that Jack stumbled into in 2022. He was so quick-witted, I remember when he first came to the young adult group no one knew he was so young, he carried himself so confidently and took any opportunity to make people laugh or to dive deeper into a debate (always in good heart and he fit right in). I left Maryland a year ago, and I haven’t seen him since I left. He always made jokes about us being Lutheran – haha… but there is one thing I am assured of, our Lord now holds him firmly and lovingly in his arms. Jack is safe, Jack is at peace, and Jack is loved by his creator. Till we see our loved ones again may we grieve well with one another, and share in the joy of good memories till we are called home. I pray for all his friends and family near and far.
It was an honor serving together.
Till Valhalla, brother.
Respectfully,
“The Lesbian”
I met him in A school. He was a few classes ahead of mine and left a lasting impression on all of us, even those who didn’t go to FT Meade with him. CTR2 Brown will not be forgotten; his memory will be carried by us across the world, in the minds and hearts of Sailors serving , all the way form the Mainland, to Hawaii to Japan and back.
Your brothers and sisters have the watch. You can rest now.
Fair winds and following seas.