Flowers Guestbook

John “Jack” Barclay Brown Jr.

04/12/1937 — 08/31/2026

From Richland, WA | Born in Los Angeles, CA

Celebration of Life

Starts:

Sat, October 3, 2026, 10:00 am

Ends:

Sat, October 3, 2026, 11:00 am

Location:

Central United Protestant Church

1124 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99352

Website:

Visit Central United Protestant Church

Watch:

Watch the Celebration of Life
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Reception

Starts:

Sat, October 3, 2026, 11:00 am

Ends:

Sat, October 3, 2026, 12:00 pm

Location:

Central United Protestant Church

1124 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99352

Website:

Visit Central United Protestant Church

Watch:

Watch the Reception
New to Livestream? Watch the tutorial.

John “Jack” Barclay Brown Jr.

John Barclay Brown Jr.

April 12, 1937 – August 31, 2026

John Barclay Brown Jr., lovingly known as “Jack” to family and friends, passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on April 12, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, Jack spent much of his childhood growing up in Laguna Beach, where life revolved around the ocean and the family home on the beach. There he developed a lifelong love of swimming, bodysurfing, beach volleyball, and rowing through surfing.

Jack attended public schools in Laguna Beach and played football throughout his high school years. He later enrolled at Iowa State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. While at Iowa State, he balanced academics with participation in campus life and proudly became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Following graduation, Jack began a distinguished career in the aerospace industry before continuing his education. While raising a family and working full time at Battelle Memorial Institute, he earned master’s degrees from Iowa State University and the University of Michigan, followed by a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. His remarkable dedication to both family and professional achievement reflected the determination and work ethic that defined his life.

Throughout his career, Jack was entrusted with significant technical and national service responsibilities. His work with Battelle took him to various assignments across the country, including leading a branch office in Durham, North Carolina. He contributed to planning efforts for an arms control treaty in Washington, D.C., analyzed documents obtained from Iraq, assisted with strategic planning during the first Gulf War, and later served on the United Nations Special Commission Nuclear Inspection Team, helping investigate nuclear facilities in Iraq following the war.

In 1978, Jack brought his family to Battelle’s Northwest facility in the Tri-Cities, where he continued his career until retiring in 1995. Soon after retirement, Jack took his boat, the MaggieJack, to Depoe Bay, docked it in the harbor, and began building a home based on plans he had developed over the years. Because the community observed his owner-builder project, people generously offered help and advice. Jack reciprocated by teaching children how to row in the small harbor using a dory he had built with one of his sons. That led to increased community interest, an offer to serve as assistant harbor manager, a position on the harbor commission, and eventually a seat on the city council. Jack also eagerly accepted the role representing Depoe Bay on a coastal network of cities. During those years, he helped advise, strengthen, and advocate for coastal communities at both the state and federal levels.

One of the most significant initiatives Jack helped develop was Neighbors For Kids (NFK). It began with the children from his rowing club, the Depoe Bay Killer Whales, and an after-school program called Kids Zone. Starting with about 10 children in the rowing club and six or so participants in the volunteer- and parent-supported after-school program, Jack helped develop and secure funding for a nonprofit organization that, more than 25 years later, remains strong. The organization is still led by a student who had just graduated from college at the time, became like a third son to Jack, and continues to run the program today. Jack drew upon the skills he had developed in his professional career to secure funding from the federal government, the State of Oregon, the City of Depoe Bay, and private nonprofit organizations.

In his wife’s opinion, this was the most impactful accomplishment of Jack’s life.

During the early years in Depoe Bay, Jack became involved with a community project called the Wooden Boat Show and quickly volunteered to help. Before long, the Depoe Bay Wooden Boat Show became a way to engage children from NFK and attract as many small wooden boat owners as possible.

Jack spent about 20 years in Depoe Bay involved in all of these activities. He also helped bring together local fishermen and environmental groups to develop the first marine reserves on the Oregon coast. Jack found a way to create a solution that benefited both sides.

After spending several years in Virginia to be near family, Jack returned to the Tri-Cities in 2019. He remained deeply devoted to his family, community, and lifelong pursuit of learning and service. Those who knew him will remember his intelligence, integrity, sense of adventure, and willingness to serve wherever he was needed.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Maggie Brown; his daughter and son-in-law, Mary K. French and Mickey French; his son and daughter-in-law, John B. Brown III and Lydia Brown; his son, Newton Barclay Brown; members of the Tipping family in California; six grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

John led a life devoted to family, education, public service, and community leaves a legacy that lives on in the many people he inspired, taught, and loved.

Memorial contributions may be made to Neighbors for Kids in Depoe Bay, Oregon, in honor of Jack’s enduring commitment to children and community service.

Guestbook for

John “Jack” Barclay Brown Jr.

I offer my sincere condolences to family and friends. I only got to work with John for a little over a year before he retired from the lab. But in that year, he taught me a lot about international safeguards and helped me move into a role at HQ in WDC (he had been there) that kick started a life long career in this field. I’m so grateful to him for seeing potential in me and encouraging me to grow and learn and evolve. I’ve tried to emulate that in my life. It was great to read about all he accomplished in retirement! May your memories bring you comfort.

Carrie Mathews

October 13, 2026

Fountain hills, AZ

John hired me early in my career and was my early mentor, boss and friend. I can honestly say I loved the man. I have a room full of good memories about John that I cherish. He was always gracious, always kind, always thinking about the good he could do for others. John and Margaret hosted annual “Pig roasts” at their home in West Richland which were fun events and great team builders for staff. One of my favorite memories was when we were sitting in a meeting with PNNL leadership discussing an idea he and I had brainstormed in depth the day before. John started out the meeting outlining the topic and suddenly tossed the ball to me asking me my thoughts. It was a total setup to make me look good and help me in my career. I looked at him and he just smiled. That was the John I knew. He was the perfect manager for someone lime me early in my career and I will always be grateful. Because of his influence I did the best I could to duplicate what he modeled for me with other staff throughout my career. I am sure others did the same. Simply said, this man makes the world a better place.

Steve Stein

October 7, 2026

Kingston, Wa

I remember John fondly from PNNL. He loved everyone, and it showed. I remember being at a pool party at his house, with my husband and son. John was joking that there were sharks in the water, which got my son’s attention.

I wasn’t aware he had a program for teaching kids rowing, the Wooden Boat Show, and everything he did for the good of Depoe Bay. But it doesn’t surprise me. He was always thinking of others.

So thankful to have crossed paths with this generous, humane, intelligent man and I look forward to seeing him in heaven one day.

Andrea McMakin

October 6, 2026

Richland, WA

Many friends still talk about all the good times at your house on Shaws Beach in Laguna when we were growing up. One memory at Thanksgiving or Christmas would be a large meal served around noon and then off we would go to the beach to return for another large meal at 5. So many great times. Also, who today could drive their car backwards from South Laguna to North Laguna through the downtown area of Laguna. Great small town memories….Jack will be missed……Cousin Mac

Mac Brown

September 28, 2026

Laguna Beach

Sunset Gardens