Dr. Jack Ross Brown ’43

Dr. Jack Ross Brown was not one to seek recognition. He is remembered as a man of solid quietness who devoted his life to serving others in his medical career and as a volunteer in works of philanthropy with Lisle, an Intercultural Volunteer Program for Global Citizen.

Wall of Recognition Inductee: 2002

Dr. Brown gave the valedictory address at his graduation from Ballard High in 1943. After one term at the University of Washington, he enlisted in the infantry where he served on the European front. When the war ended he completed his studies at the UW and went on to the University of Michigan for his medical degree. While there he married Judith Reynolds whom he had met while they were both participating in Quaker work camps in Europe.

In 1957 the Browns and their two-month old son left for Turkey where Dr. Brown practiced in a 50-bed hospital and an out-patient clinic which provided compassionate, caring service for patients who came from a considerable distance.

Upon returning to the United States in 1962, Dr. Brown entered a residency in psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. After completion of his residency, he worked at Group Health Cooperative where, in 1965, he and a nurse started Group Health’s mental health services which grew quickly and is now part of Group Health Centers. In the 1970’s he helped start Transitional Resources, a West Seattle home and agency for treating the mentally ill. This facility is still in operation today.

Jack and Judy Brown both participated in Lisle programs. They partnered with people from many nations working on projects in Uganda, Finland and Germany. They once worked with Ethiopians and Soviets for Plowshares on an agricultural project in Ethiopia.