Jess Brewer

Jess was born April 12, 1927 in Martin County KY. He was called from labor to refreshment September 16, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents Jess and Pricey (Copley) Brewer; Sisters Gladys Whitt and Zelda Hensley; and Brothers Milton F. Arnold James and Henry Delano. He is survived by his wife of 68+ years M. Meredith (Waldron); sons Elbridge "Ebby" (Mareetta), Gregory (Diana) and daughter Johanna (Gregory) McKenzie. As well as seven grandkids, 1.5 great grandkids as well as a plethora of nephews and nieces. In 2017, Jess was honored by the Columbus Purple Heart Association Chapter to represent the contributions of the Merchant Marine in WWII specifically and through all military actions. It's a long story but in mid 1943 shortly after his 16th birthday went to work on the Intercoastal water way with a marine salvage company removing superstructures from merchant vessels sunk along the coast. Due to manpower need, Jess ended up crossing the Atlantic twice, passing through the Panama Canal to New Zealand, Australia, Phillipines and Sumar. After his release from his last vessel in 1946, Uncle Sam reactivated his draft notice. He ended up in the 11th Airborne as part of the Japan Occupation Forces, "stationed any further North would have been transferred to the Navy". After his honorable discharge enrolled and graduated from Pikeville College. He and Meredith married in 1950 and spent the next 42+ years working in various roles in the transportation industry as a railroad brakeman, Greyhound driver, REA Express Delivery, an LTL driver, dispatcher, salesman, terminal manager and in August 1979 started a truckload carrier, University Corp. Jess was an avid sports fan. He loved UK basketball, OSU football, all things golf (fierce competitor and frequently found his way into the Masters) and baseball (NYY) and was a director and Past President of York Golf Club. Jess was a proud 67+ year member of Free and Accepted Masons. Was a PM of Capital City Lodge #656, member of York Rite Bodies, an endowed 32' Mason member of Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus. He was an original member of the makeup crew for the PM Unit Aladdin Shrine. Funeral service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd., where family will receive friends from 4-8 P.M. Monday and a Masonic Service will begin at 7 P.M. Monday. Interment Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation, Alzheimer Care Unit, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504 would be appreciated. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.