Jeffrey Dean Brown Obituary
Jeffrey Dean Brown
June 4, 1965 – June 26, 2025
With deep sorrow and full hearts, we share the passing of Jeffrey Dean Brown, beloved father, son, brother, and friend. Jeff passed away at home in Gig Harbor on June 26, just weeks after celebrating his 60th birthday with family and lifelong friends.
To know Jeff was to know laughter, kindness, and loyalty. He was the guy who showed up with a joke, a helping hand, or an encouraging word, often all three. Beyond the smiles and lightness, he was, at his core, a devoted dad. His children, Jessica, and Jack were everything to him. He showed up for them in all the ways that matter, with love, support, and the kind of steady presence that makes a house feel like home.
He treasured his one-on-one time with Jessica, their coffee shop chats, long talks about life and the future, and especially their father-daughter walks, where they would talk about anything and everything. They challenged and educated each other, always learning alongside one another. He admired her big heart, sharp mind, and strong spirit, and was so proud to be her dad.
With Jack, Jeff found joy in every game, every gathering, and every moment of everyday life. Their home was often filled with teammates from Jack's Gig Harbor Varsity and Narrows Elite basketball teams, music, and the scent of pancakes on the griddle. Jeff welcomed it all with open arms, proud of the friendships Jack fostered and the grounded, thoughtful young man he was becoming.
Some of Jeff's most cherished memories were the summers he spent with both Jessica and Jack at Camp Malibu in Canada. Days filled with sunshine, laughter, and connection. It was a special place where he got to simply be their dad, soaking in time together and watching them grow into themselves. Jack’s favorite memories were the activities in the water and the family one-on-one time. Jessica’s were the hot cocoa Jeff made for them before bed, and the last night dance party, where the 3 Brown’s went all out on costumes.
Jeff’s love for family did not stop with his children. He was deeply connected to his parents, brothers, niece, nephews, and all those he called family. He was always sharing stories, celebrating their milestones, and cheering them on. He was proud of each of them, and that pride showed in every conversation. His family meant everything to him.
Jeff was born in Tacoma and grew up in Puyallup, graduating from Puyallup High School in 1983. He spent over four decades in the grocery industry, starting at Jim's Market and continuing through Thriftco, Bag N Save, QFC, and finally, Trader Joe's. Never one to coast, Jeff earned his real estate license later in life and dove into the industry with the same energy he brought to everything. He joined the Kimberly Gartland Group in Gig Harbor, where he developed a deep appreciation for the business and the people it brought into his life. In time, he co-founded the Red Sail Home Group with his friend Gwen Gilliam, where they worked hard, built something they were proud of, and always found time for a laugh along the way.
One of Jeff's favorite roles was being "that house," the one full of sneakers under the railing, music playing, and the comfort of knowing everyone was welcome. Whether it was a dozen basketball players or a quiet one-on-one moment, Jeff created space for others to feel at home.
He is survived by his daughter Jessica (21), a senior at Western Washington University, and his son Jack (18), a senior at Gig Harbor High School. He also leaves behind his mom and stepdad, JoAnne and Don Alderman, his dad and stepmom, Ron and Dorothy Brown, brother Chris (Jeanna), brother Shawn (Jessica), niece Alivia (Neman) brand new great-nephew John, nephews Christian, Nick, and Holden, aunts Laurie Kastenbaum and Steffany Baker, many cousins and extended family members.
Jeff brought joy wherever he went, and the love he gave will ripple on through all who knew him. He loved Jessica and Jack with his whole heart, and being their dad was the greatest honor of his life.
A Celebration of Jeff’s life, will be held on August 24th at 1 PM at the Canterwood Golf and Country Club, 12606 54th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor 98332
