John Robert “Jack” Brennan, 70, of Portage, Michigan, passed away on October 27, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of laughter, love, and more than a few smart-ass remarks.

Jack was a hardworking man with a big heart, a quick wit, and a sense of humor that could brighten just about anyone’s day. Known affectionately to friends as “Lord Jesus Jack,” he was never short on sarcasm, a corny dad joke, or a reason to make someone smile. He didn’t care much for fancy things or material possessions. To Jack, life’s greatest treasures were the people he loved, the friendships he made, and the time they spent together.

For nearly 46 years, Jack worked alongside his brother Dave Brennan at B&B, the automotive repair business they built together in 1980. The brothers shared a lifelong bond that extended far beyond business. Together, they earned a reputation for honest work, treating people fairly, and helping others whenever they could.

But B&B was never just about fixing cars. It also became home to the legendary B&B Lounge, where friends gathered to unwind, share a drink, swap stories, and enjoy plenty of laughs. As Jack’s friend Phil famously described its operating hours, “2 o’clock to question mark.” With Jack around, there was rarely a shortage of entertainment.

In a fitting coincidence, Jack passed away just three days before B&B’s 46th anniversary. Nearly half a century of hard work, friendships, and memories became part of a legacy that will continue through everyone who knew him.

Jack found lasting love with his wife, Laurie Lee Brennan. Married in July 1993, they shared more than 33 years together, building a home filled with family, laughter, and memories.

Together, Jack and Laurie brought Nicole, Adam, Chris, and Amanda into one blended family that became simply one family.

Jack believed that family wasn’t defined by blood, but by love, loyalty, and being there for one another. He chose to be a father in every sense of the word, embracing his children through life’s ups and downs. His love extended beyond traditional family relationships, including Shawn, whom he welcomed as one of his own.

But if there was one role that brought Jack more joy than any other, it was being Grandpa Jack. His grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. Their photographs filled his home, and their happiness meant everything to him. Jack wasn’t the kind of grandpa who sat quietly on the sidelines. He was goofy, playful, and always ready to tease them or make them laugh. His sarcastic remarks and terrible dad jokes were part of what made spending time with Grandpa Jack so much fun.

He took tremendous pride in watching his grandchildren grow and loved simply being part of their lives. He didn’t need expensive gifts, elaborate outings, or special occasions. Being surrounded by his family was enough. Jack spent much of his life working, but what mattered most to him could never be bought. It was the time spent with Laurie, the family they built, the laughter of his grandchildren, the friendships formed over decades at B&B, and knowing the people he loved were happy.

Jack is lovingly remembered by his wife of more than 33 years, Laurie Lee Brennan; their four children and families: Nicole Merica, her husband Jason, and her children, Marshall, Zelda, and Dean; Adam Brennan and his wife, Jessica, and their children, Kagen, Gavin, and Henley; Chris Brennan and his daughter, Chelsea; Amanda Matthews and her husband, Ryan, and their children, Lily, Makenna, and Rylan. Jack was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Marceline, daughter of his grandson Marshall. He is survived by his older sister, Kathy Beck, and her husband, Mike Beck, and his brother, Dave Brennan, along with extended family and countless friends whose lives were brighter because he was part of them. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Abel Brennan and Mary Jean McLain Brennan, and his brother, Steve Brennan.

In keeping with Jack’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. His family encourages those who knew him to remember him with a smile, share a funny story, and spend a little extra time with the people they love. Jack leaves behind a family full of memories, a lifetime of laughter, and countless stories that will be told for generations. 

And if Jack could leave everyone with one final piece of advice, it would probably be his favorite saying: “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug.”