Dr. John Benjamin Brimi died peacefully on June 16 surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Ann Arbor, Mich., Dr. Brimi grew up in Knoxville, graduating from Knoxville Catholic High School (class of 1962) and the University of Tennessee, where he was a member and president of Phi Delta Theta.
He later earned his medical degree at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He also served in the U.S. Navy, stationed primarily in Norfolk, Va. He was married to Betty Fowler Brimi for nearly 52 years, living mostly in Chattanooga and Knoxville.
Dr. Brimi led a life fueled by curiosity and characterized by good humor and an amiable temperament. Aside from practicing ophthalmology in Chattanooga, he was a student of many facets of life. He enjoyed science—geology, biology, and physics, especially—and cultivated a deep love for art and literature.
Dr. Brimi also supported the University of Tennessee athletics programs as an avid fan and donor. His charitable nature extended to many organizations, especially those supporting Catholic education and ministry. He attended St. John Neumann Church in Farragut.
Dr. and Mrs. Brimi traveled extensively. They made numerous trips to Las Vegas, where he used his intellect and discipline to become a formidable presence at the poker table. They saw much of the American West and Europe. They particularly appreciated restful vacations at Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Though a busy physician, Dr. Brimi always made time for family. He coached many of his son Hunter’s youth baseball teams and enthusiastically attended his high school and college games. He cherished family reunions whether at the beach or at home.
He was an animal lover, as well. He was involved in greyhound rescue and counted Gunnar, Walter, Lolo, Hank, a special Doberman, Penny, and a coon hound, Ann, as canine family members.
Dr. Brimi is predeceased by his wife, Betty, and parents, Robert and Hazel Brimi, as well as his sister, Barbara, brothers, Paul and William, and niece, Cathy Perkins. He is survived by his son, Ben (Lore) Mandrell; their daughters, Kerrigan and Anna; and his son, Hunter (Carrie) Brimi.
Surviving siblings are Robert (Connie) Brimi, Mary Kay Brimi, Carol (Bob) Rhinehart, Elizabeth Brimi, and Patricia (Tom) Janney. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and cousins. Surviving in-law relations include Jo Fowler, Beth Headrick, and Eddie Fowler, Jr., as well as kind neighbors Mary and Ralph Henry.
A funeral Mass for Dr. Brimi was held on July 1 at St. John Neumann Church.
Donations in Dr. Brimi’s memory may be made to the Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska, the Christian Appalachian Project, or St. Labre Indian School.
