Jack “J Willie” Brown was one of Stivers most versatile athletes in the 1940’s. He received varsity letters in baseball, basketball, football and track, which is an unusual feat. According to his teammates, J. Willie excelled in each of these sports. He was a strong competitor, gave 110% effort, and demonstrated an unselfish attitude and enthusiam in every game he played. These qualities gained him the tremendous respect of his teammates.
Jack played 3rd base in baseball on the Stivers Summer League team that won the County/City championship in 1946. He played forward in basketball and was an outstanding rebounder and defender. On the football team J. Willie was an end on both sides of the ball — offensively and defensively. Jack also found time in the Spring to run the hurdles for the track team. He was truly a versatile athlete.
Jack attended the University of Dayton playing two years of football and basketball. His teammates at UD were mostly WWII veterans, including Stivers Hall of Famer Jim Hanby. Following UD, Jack played several years of Industrial League Basketball in the Dayton area. At the request of Stivers basketball coach Skip LaRue, Jack helped form the Alumni Stivers team that competed in the annual Holiday Alumni Tournament at the YMCA. The Stivers team dominated this tournament for several years in the 1950’s.
After his school years Jack established a very successful business career with Van Dyne Crotty, serving as Vice President for many years. He remained working as a consultant in the laundry/uniform industry throughout his life.
Jack and wife Joan Giltnane (Stivers 1947) had six children –Sally, Bobbie, Carol, Susan, John and Michael. It should also be noted that of his eight siblings, three brothers and four sisters are also Stivers graduates –a record in itself. Jack died in 1987 at age 58.