John K. (Jack) Brigham II

On Wednesday, May 8, 2019 John K. (Jack) Brigham passed away peacefully at the age of 94 with his loving wife of 71 years, Gloria, by his side. Jack was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 4, 1924.  After serving in the U. S. Navy Jack moved back to Michigan where he met and married Gloria May Newman.

Jack and Gloria settled in the Dexter, Michigan area about 65 years ago. They became active members of the Dexter community and served in many good causes. Jack retired from the University of Michigan after being a supervisor in the Automotive Engineering Laboratory there for 30 years.

Jack was a long time antique dealer who enjoyed searching for antiques and especially doing antique shows. He was an outstanding leader for the Boy Scouts of America.  Jack first served as a Cub Scout Leader and then moved to Scout Master of Troop 477 in Dexter. In his over 60 years leading scouts in Dexter his troop honored close to 125 Eagle Scouts.  When his own children grew up and were married his “Boysies” (scouts) became such a big part of his life. Monday nights was scout night in the cabin that Jack and his scouts built called “the Eagles Nest”.  All the many scout camps every year were so important to him. He really enjoyed helping the scouts work on thousands of merit badges over the years. Jack, with his fellow scout leaders through the years, was dedicated to helping all scouts along on the Eagle Trail. Another highlight Jack enjoyed each year was the Christmas party with games, a favorite was called “the object in the middle”, as well as a reading of “The Night before Christmas”.  

Jack is survived by his wife, Gloria, and by his children: Mark (Susan) Brigham of Utah, John K. (Connie) Brigham of Arizona, Michael (Kathleen) Brigham of Chelsea, MI and Laurie (Jon) Barks of Ann Arbor, MI.  He was a proud Grandpa to Melanie (Rettig) Young, John K. (Jake) Brigham, Hailey (Brigham) Wells and Christopher Brigham, Sarah (Brigham) Munoz and Dylan Barks. As well as a Great Grandfather to Jett and Maddox Young, Roman Wells, Isidora Munoz and Maizee Brigham.

There will be a memorial service held for Jack at the Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 1:00pm with a luncheon to follow immediately in the Webster Township Hall.

Jack Brigham Memorial - Campers Scholarship

A scholarship has been setup that will help Boy Scout campers in need financially to be able to attend scout camps. The recipients are chosen by the leaders of troop 477 as a group, after assessing and talking to scouts and their families to see who is in need.

Contributions can be made by Check payable to Boy Scout Troop 477 - In the note/memo section write that it is for the Jack Brigham Memorial - Campers Scholarship. The funds will go straight to troop 477 where the troop treasurer will track it/mark it for the Jack Brigham Memorial fund.

Donations can be mailed directly to the Troop 477 Cabin at this address:

Boy Scout Troop 477

545 Webster Church Rd.

Dexter, MI    48130