SARASOTA, FL
Jefferson Wayne Brougher (Jeff), born April 26, 1933 to Marybelle Hunter Brougher and Warren Emmett Brougher, left this world on February 11, 2023. Jeff was the oldest of six, Max Brougher (January 3, 2021), Keith Brougher, Melinda Cravens, Martha St. Clair and Nancy Salge.
On December 23rd 1951 Jeff married his first love and mother of his four children, Erlene Pounders- Brougher (who pre-deceased him on January 9, 2008.)
Jeff is survived by his 4-children, Molly, Betsy (spouse Bill), Joe (spouse Kelly) and Sam; his seven grandchildren: Grace, Samantha, Blair, Logan, Walker, Luke and Riley; plus four great-grandchildren: Heidi, Leo, Maribelle and Hunter.
Jeff’s story is the classic American success story. Jeff served four-years in the Air Force during the Korean War. When Jeff mustered out of the Air Force, he had $10.00 in his pocket, a wife by his side, and the dream of success in his mind. In 1953, Jeff followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and became a life insurance salesman. By the early 70’s Jeff formed Brougher Agency in Greenwood, Indiana and was a pioneer in the medical stop-loss insurance business. By the early 80’s Brougher Agency became the largest seller of stop-loss in the United States and Jeff was the largest non-marine binder holder at Lloyd’s of London in history at the time. Jeff sold Brougher in 1990 and started International Medical Group among many other companies.
In addition to being a serial entrepreneur, Jeff’s most important quality was his belief in and love of people. He loved the underdog and helped many people get opportunities they may not get from others. He saw people as they were and was genuinely interested in helping those in need. Through tuition grants, scholarships, loans and just plain old free advice, Jeff never stopped sharing.
As a father, Jeff loved and was proud of all 4 of his kids. He gave them every opportunity to succeed. Our childhood was filled with fishing and hunting trips, bicycle tours, lazy days floating on the river. We knew he loved us. He wasn’t the traditional dad, with the French Beret’s, Greek Fisherman’s hats or man purse, he was the dad we needed. He had style and savoir faire.
As a grandfather, Pappa Jeff was interested in his grandchildren, especially their education. He paid for all of his grandkids’ tuition, no small feat.
Jeff will be missed by all of his friends and family. The world lost a soul with a huge heart.
A Celebration of Life for Jeff will be held at a future date, close to what would have been his 90’th birthday in late April. Details will follow.
