John "Jack" R. Drown

John R. "Jack" Drown, 80, of Plattsburgh, died Sunday, September 3, 2023 with his loving family by his side. He was born Monday, June 28, 1943 to John A. Drown and Mercedes (Loughan) Drown.

As a child, Jack attended school at St. John’s and enjoyed many summer days at the farm of his grandparents, Clifford and Minnie Drown, in Ellenburg. He graduated from LeMoyne College with a degree in History and enlisted in the US Army Reserve for six years.

Jack found tremendous professional fulfillment as an Inspector and Senior Inspector for the US Customs Service, where he worked for 32 years. He received many accolades for his distinguished public service and was well-respected by his peers. His career provided his family with an opportunity to live in rural Montana and in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

On May 9, 1970 Jack married Jean Downs, and they remained in love for the next 53 years. Jack was passionate about his religious faith, history, and genealogy. He enjoyed hiking, canoeing, hunting, and playing tennis. Jack loved traveling both overseas and across the United States. He had particularly fond memories of his college study abroad in Oslo, Norway and his trip to Europe in retirement. Jack rooted for the Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers, University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and New York Giants. Jack loved gathering with family at Point au Fer. He was also a volunteer for The American Cancer Society. More than anything, Jack loved to support his children and grandchildren in their educational and extracurricular endeavors.

Jack is survived by his wife Jean; daughter Allison Pinkerman; son Joseph (Kate) Drown; sister Holly (Lee) Clemons; grandchildren Riley Ruff, Lucas Ruff, Jackson Pinkerman, Annalise Drown, and Cecelia Drown; Aunt Leah Drown; half-sisters Dolly Drown and April Sherman; sisters-in-law Mary (David) Nishoff and Patricia (James) Hamlin; brother-in-law Roger Dorr; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his parents and half-brother Jonathan Drown.

Jack was a kind, humble, and hard-working man who dedicated his life to his family and to public service. He will be deeply missed.

Jack’s family would like to especially thank the staff of Third Age Adult Day Center and Elderwood of Uihlein for the compassion and kindness they showed him.

Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am on October 13, 2023 at St. Augustine's Church, Peru. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11:00am.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities or Third Age Center. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com