Jack was born on March 20, 1942, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ione Braun. His early years were marked by frequent moves as his family relocated 12 times before eventually settling in Ohio. Those experiences helped shape his independence, adaptability and willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Jack graduated from Carroll High School in Canal Winchester, Ohio, and attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, and The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He began his working career alongside his father as a pattern maker, learning not only the skills of a craftsman but also the value of hard work, personal responsibility and taking pride in a job well done. These lessons stayed with him throughout his life.
In 1963, Jack married Sharon K. Rickly, and their marriage brought four children into his life, beginning a lifelong journey of fatherhood and family.
In the early 1970s, Jack started Braun Industries with his father and brothers in Lithopolis, Ohio, manufacturing ambulances and specialty emergency vehicles. The business later relocated to Oakwood, Ohio, in 1976, where Jack continued developing his skills as a businessman, craftsman and leader.
In 1984, Jack married Linda Bradford, beginning a partnership that would shape the next chapter of his life.
Always independent and entrepreneurial, Jack dreamed of building a business of his own. In 1986, he and Linda, along with sons Jim and John, took a leap of faith and moved across the country to Chehalis, Washington. There, in a rented building in the local industrial park, they founded Braun Northwest Inc.
What began as a small family venture grew into one of the largest manufacturing companies in Southwest Washington, producing ambulances and specialty emergency vehicles for customers throughout the western United States. In 2026, Braun Northwest celebrated its 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflected Jack's determination, ingenuity and belief in the value of building something that would last. Jack retired from daily operations in 2006 but continued serving as chairman of the company's board of directors until his passing. He took great satisfaction in seeing the business continue under the leadership of the next generation of his family.
Jack was, at heart, a builder. Whether working with his hands, developing a business, solving a difficult problem or helping others succeed, he found satisfaction in creating something useful and lasting. He believed in hard work, practical solutions and the importance of doing things right.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Jack valued his community and the friendships he made along the way. He was a charter member of Twin City Rotary and enjoyed many years of fellowship, service and shared experiences with fellow Rotarians. The friendships and memories he made through Rotary were an important part of his life.
But above all else, Jack was a family man. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and nothing brought him greater satisfaction than seeing them build lives and families of their own. His family was his greatest accomplishment and his most enduring legacy.
Jack is survived by his wife, Linda Braun of Chehalis, Washington; his children, Susan (Kenny) Bohner of Oakwood, Ohio; John (Marlo) Braun of Centralia, Washington; Jim (Deanna) Braun of Chehalis, Washington; Melaina (Jeremy) Witchey of Winlock, Washington; and Karena (Chris) Stroh of Eastham, Massachusetts; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Phillip (Cher) Braun of Wellston, Michigan; Charles (Jan) Braun of Lynden, Washington; Diane Schiefer of Gold Canyon, Arizona; and Barbara (Pete) Bronson of Tiffin, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ione Braun, and his son, Troy Bradford.
Jack will be remembered for his determination, his independent spirit, his ability to build and create, and his deep love for his family. From his beginnings as a young pattern maker working alongside his father to the family business he established in Washington, his life was defined by a willingness to work hard, take chances and create opportunities for those who followed.
His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the business he built, the community he served and the many lives he touched along the way.
A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Jester Auto Museum in Chehalis, Washington. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories and celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Rotary Christmas Giving Tree, a cause reflecting Jack's longstanding commitment to his community.
