John Lloyd “Jack” Brasington was born in Wadesboro NC, 19 May 1927, the son of Coral Gables pioneers, Clayton B and Sudie Jenkins Brasington. The family moved to Miami in 1935, where Jack attended Coral Gables Elementary, and Ponce de Leon Jr and Sr High. Jack was an outstanding athlete who participated in all sports, and was president of his senior class.
After graduation from high school in June of 1945, Jack joined the Navy and served as a Baker's Assistant during the last days of WWII.
Jack enrolled in the University of North Carolina, in the fall of 1946, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. After his Sophomore year, he transferred to the University of Miami. Jack represented Sigma Chi in Intramural Boxing in 1949 and was the 165 lb Champion. Jack was on the baseball team, and was a star running back on the football team, where he held the record for the longest punt return of 82 yards for a number of years, and earned the nickname “Hula Hips”. He graduated in 1950 with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation Jack married Greta Marie Skagseth, a 1949 graduate of Ponce de Leon High School.
In 1942, Jack’s mother and father founded “Miami Sportswear Company Inc.” in the three-car garage behind their house in Coral Gables. After his parents retired, Jack was co-owner of the company with his brother Clayton, (Ching Tang 1943) operating from a large facility in Opa Locka producing sportsware under the name CEEB of Miami and Swim Buoy. Jack's son, Jack Jr. now run's the company.
Jack passed away February 20th, 2013 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Greta, his son John L Brasington Jr. (Cantillon), daughter Greta Parks-Mealey (Brian), daughter Nancy Lee Reid, seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.
