Jet Monroe

[dannygoddard]

Sputnik Monroe's daughter, Natalie, called yesterday and left a voicemail informing me of the passing on Wednesday of her uncle, Gary Brumbaugh. He was the real brother of Sputnik, using the name, Jet Monroe. I don't have any details yet but assume he passed away in Mexico where he lived.

Jet came to Georgia as the manager of Sputnik back in the early '60s and was there until Buddy Fuller's inside toe hold "broke his leg." He booked for awhile in Texas, then left the business to pursue a managerial career with Walgreens, I believe. You can read more on Jet at www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com/host/monroes/jet.html. I will post more in formation as it is available. I met Jet in Louisiana back in 2006 when I officiated Sputnik's funeral service. He and I emailed back and forth since then but it's been several months since I heard from him. He was a very likeable guy. My prayers go out to Natalie in Arizona and the rest of their family.

[Bobby Simmons]

Thanks Danny,
Someone asked me if I had heard of Sputnik's brother passing and I had not. Thanks for the confirmation. I remember him coming out on Atlanta TV and looking under the ring and screaming at Ed Caparal you must have really paid my brother a lot of money to get us into this dump.


Bobby

[dannygoddard]

Hey Bobby.

How well do I remember that day on TV as well. I remember Sputnik was in a black suit and tie as Jet checked the turnbuckles, etc. to make sure the ring was okay.

As soon as I heard of Jet's passing, I texted you but it came right back to me. I was afraid it was too late to call but knew you'd see it posted. My wife and I were driving from Indiana to Oklahoma to graduate our son from college when I got word. Sunday after dinner I drove to St. Louis then on Monday to Kankakee, IL where I'm in a pastors' conference this week. Busy days. I'll be glad to get home Thursday in Indiana.

I'm anxious to see pictures of the reunions you've been to.

Later, my friend.

[Ric Gillespie]

I have a bit more information on Jet's passing. At the time of his death, he was 70 (09/16/39), and living in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, where he retired in 2002. Not sure if he had more than one daughter (I've seen references to "Natalie," but I only have record of a Misty Holder), but he's also survived by a longtime girlfriend, at least one grandchild, three great grandchildren, a sister, and a slew of nieces and nephews.

At the time of his death, he was hospitalized in Guadalajara, although I'm unsure of the cause. Just before the new year, though, he suffered a heart attack.

Services were private, and, for well-wishers, it's suggested they donate, in his name, to their favorite charitable organizations.

[Mike Norris]

Sorry to hear about Jet's passing. That leaves Rocket as the last living "Magnificent Monroe" (unless you count Jody Hamilton, who spent a week working as "Ricky Monroe" in the Gulf Coast in 1959).

Here's a picture of Sputs, Jet and the original Rocket (Bill Fletcher).



Gary and Fletcher spent several months in the Gulf Coast territory in 1963, with Sputsy making a few appearances as well.