John Kennedy Brittain

Dear Family and Friends,

Jack’s spirit left this earth at 12:25 am June 14, 2015! He was born on September 12, 1941. VNA Hospice did an amazing job of taking care of Jack for the few short hours he had left on this earth. Jack was made comfortable and peaceful which was beautiful for Jack and all of us (Paul lives here and Monica and family were here for a preplanned vacation) as we visited with Papa Jack. I visited with Jack one last time after he passed and he was in his hospice room with the oxygen mask off, bed side rails gone and laying very peacefully as if he were napping with his hands folded on his chest with a white rose bud clasp in his hands. What a thoughtful thing hospice did for me, that white rose bud. I brought it home with me and I can’t tell you what comfort that little flower is bring me at the moment. It’s like a part of Jack is here physically in that rose. Of course Jack will live on in our hearts forever. I’m attaching a picture of the rose. Monica did the photography. The background is “Coney Island NY” a favorite graphic print of Jack’s. NY was Jack’s favorite city! SF a close 2nd! Jack was a big city guy who married a small town girl! I grew to love cities almost as much as Jack! We both love Vero Beach because it has something for both of us! Small and cultured. Jack and I had much time to be together over the last month and look back on all the wonderful things in our life, our children Monica and Paul, our grandchildren Jack, Reece and Ryder, Jack’s brother Jerry and family who are wonderful, my brother Mason and family just as wonderful, many aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of the families, Jack’s and mine, and great friends who are really extended family. We have been very blessed in so many ways! Thank you so much for your prayers and concern and cards! This all meant so much to Jack and to me! Some of Jack last smiles were when I would tell him that someone sent hugs and kisses and well wishes!

Jack will be cremated as he wished. Jack did not want a traditional funeral service and to that end we will be planning a “celebration of life” gathering on a beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Time and exact place TBD! We’ve thought his birthday, September 12 might be a good date. This date is not set in stone. We will let everyone know the date as soon as we know. Mason, my brother, just sent me a message that included words of comfort from his minister, David George, in Virginia. I share these words with you:

” In the midst of the pain and suffering it is good to hear “I am ready to go” – My prayer is God’s will to be done – I also believe in miracles and yet I know our days are numbered – yet there is a peace in knowing we are in God’s hands whatever happens,”

Jack and I stayed at Gabriel House of Care (this a 29 bedroom home on the Mayo campus in Jacksonville for patients and families who are undergoing serious treatment for an extended period) while he was undergoing his radiation treatment and preparing for chemo so we met a number of people who were battling cancer or had organ transplants, erc. Some have been battling for years and yet most were calm and at peace because they knew they were in God’s care and whatever happened it was going to be OK because it was God’s plan for them. After getting David’s words above I am hearing the earlier words of faith from Gabriel House residents more clearly.

Please know that Jack was “ready to go.” Jack told me this over and over. Know that he is not suffering and is so at peace and in a much better place! I’m so thankful for to our heavenly Father who is merciful and did not let him linger to suffer. Thanks again for all your love, support, concern and cards! Be well!

Love to all,
Rose Ann

John Kennedy Brittain passed away peacefully after a short battle with neuro endocrine cancer on June 14, 2015 in the tender care of VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, FL.
Jack, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on Sept. 12, 1941 to Virginia and Britt Brittain. Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and great uncle. Jack is survived by Rose Ann, his wife of 51 years, daughter Monica, son Paul, son-in-law Chris, grandsons Jack, Reece and Ryder, his older brother Jerry, sister-in-law Evelyn, brother-in-law Mason and sister-in-law Cheryl. Jack is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Jack graduated with Central Dauphin High School Class of ’59. He also earned a bachelors degree from the University of Maryland and had a long successful career in magazine publishing and direct marketing with Army Times Publishing Co., Publisher�s Clearing House and Time Inc. After retiring, Jack worked with Senior Resource Association in Vero Beach driving seniors to doctors appointments.
Jack was past president of the Direct Marketing Club of Washington, DC, and served on the Advisory Committee to the Postmaster General. He was an Elk, a Moose and card carrying Mensa with a wicked sense of humor.
�Papa Jack� will be missed by many. Our hearts are broken but we know he is at peace and in a better place. Per Jack�s wishes a �celebration of life� is planned for the near future. In lieu of flowers please donate in Jack�s memory to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, Hibiscus Children�s Center, 1145 12th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 or to a charity of your choice. Mail for the family may be sent to PO Box 643577, Vero Beach, FL 32964.