Jack W. Brown

Jack William Brown Passed away on Monday, January 25, 2010 at home. Jack was born July 24, 1927, in Newark, Ohio. He was the son of Richard S. Brown and Helen (Peters) Brown, both deceased. He married the love of his life, Cinda Rice Brown, on August 8, 1976, she survives. Also surviving are his beloved son David (Debra) Brown of Richmond and daughter Becky (friend John McHugh) Brown of St. Louis. Jack was the proud grandfather of Katie Brown of Indianapolis and Ryan Brown of Bloomington. Jack is also survived by his loving brothers-in-law Dwight (Joan) Rice and Keith (Nancy) Rice, both of Rushville and Jeff (Jenny) Downs of Kansas. He was a favorite uncle to Allan (Melody) Rice of Rushville, Beth (Glen) Schubert of Wisconsin and Bill (Rhea) Rogers of Evansville and several other nieces and nephews. Jack's cherished great-nieces and nephews are: Adam Buckley, MacKenzie Rice, Alyson Buckley and Andrew Rice. Glenda Cregar had been a dear care-giver for Jack in his last year. Jack was preceded in death by brother Bud Brown, and sisters Mary Jane Rogers and Christine Neal. Jack was the first Bloomington High School basketball player to play for the legendary Branch McCracken's Hurryin' Hoosiers of Indiana University. Jack was the starting center for teams that finished second in the Big 10. In that era, the NCAA accepted only one team per conference so he never played in that post season tournament. However, his teams did defeat Purdue six consecutive times from 1948 thru 1951. Jack was a college Indiana All-Star and that team barn-stormed through-out the Midwest. Jack earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Indiana University. Jack was a veteran of the US Air Force. In basic training, he was recognized as the lanky lefty from IU and was recruited to play for the Sabres, a basketball team stationed at Sampson Air Force base in New York. The Sabres traveled throughout the US and other countries competing and entertaining the troops. Jack was captain of the team when they won the Air Force National Championship. Jack also played on an Air Force volleyball team. Jack began his teaching and coaching career at Spencer High School, where he taught Health and Physical Education and coached Varsity basketball and baseball. He then moved to Rushville where he coached basketball, baseball, track and cross country. Jack coached his 1964 Lions basketball team to the finals of the IHSAA Semi-State at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Jack received many awards and honors during his coaching career, including the Joe Conover Outstanding Coach Award. He later became the chairman of the Health and Physical Education department, and taught Health and Driver's Education. Jack was an avid golfer most of his adult life. He loved his golfing buddies at the Antler Pointe Golf Club and his pool pals at the Rushville Elks BPOE #1307. Jack was a member of the First Baptist Church and had attended Main St. Christian Church. Jack was also a member of Indiana University's "I" Men's Association, the IU Alumni Association, and the Rush County and Indiana State Retired Teacher's Associations. A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Rushville Consolidated High School Gymnasium on Sunday, January 31st from 12noon to 6pm. A private memorial service will be held later at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the "Jack & Cinda Brown Basketball Mental Attitude Scholarship Fund" in care of the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N. Main St. Rushville, In 46173. Arrangements entrusted to Moster Mortuary.