John “J.B.” Brettell, 1935-2025

With his children by his side, John Gaither Brettell, 90, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, after a short stay in hospice care.

Born July 8, 1935, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Dr. Howard W. Brettell Sr., M.D. and Florence Gaither Brettell, John grew up with an unrelenting curiosity and a lifelong mastery of understanding how things worked. While attending The Ohio State University, he majored in mechanical engineering, earned his pilot’s license, and became a proud Buckeye for life.

In the early ’60s, with grit, determination, and an unparalleled work ethic, John built JB Auto Wrecking from the ground up. He wasn’t afraid of hard work–he lived it. Long days in the yard, grease on his hands, and a sharp eye for opportunity defined

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