John Miller Brett
We are heartbroken to announce that, on August 15th, 2026, our father John M. Brett passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children. John, also known as Jack or Jackie to many, was born to Arthur and Audrey Brett on January 15th, 1933 in Park River, North Dakota. He was the seventh of eleven children: As John said, “there wasn’t much planning. Who would have a baby in the middle of winter in North Dakota and during the depression?”
At 17, John, along with his older brother Glen, enlisted in the Air Force and served in various bases, including Korea and Japan. After four years, he was discharged and relocated to Spokane, where several family members lived.
John spent ten years in the auto parts business, where he met his future wife, Dee, and then spent twenty years selling for Case Company. He also spent several years in the screen-printing business.
John and Dee married and raised four children together. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Audrey, his wife Dee, his son Jeff, and his siblings Robert, Margaret, Doug, Rosemary, Janice, and Glen. He is survived by his daughters Julie (Tom), Jill (Pete), son John (Mari), five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings Joline, Jerry, Dwight, Rick, and his extended daughters Kathy, Karen, and Jackie.
“Although it wasn’t always easy,” as John said, he was a diehard WSU Cougars fan and enjoyed tailgating at the “Hooter” when he could. As you know, John was a people person, who loved spending time with his family, both immediate and extended, friends, and customers. John was the life of the party, always making sure to crack a joke, whether it was appropriate or not.
A very special thank you to our uncle Bill, John’s brother-in-law, for being his caretaker and friend over the years. We would also like to thank Horizon Hospice for the care they provided.
The memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N Government Way, Spokane, WA. Inurnment will be held on Tuesday, October 6th at 10:00 AM at Greenwood Cemetery, 211 N Government Way, Spokane, WA.
For friends & family who are unable to attend, you may click this virtual link below to watch John's Memorial Service.
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