I was in the same place a couple years ago and got a Kimber Montana. It is stainless and very light, shoots great. I know you didn't want a Kimber, but I have found them very good. I think Weatherby Vanguard may be an option as well.
If you are in Indiana you should go to Hunt Club labs and check them out. We got one of our labs from them and he has been great.
http://huntclublabradors.net
I use worksharp as well. Touch up with fine and then strop and they are hair shaving sharp. I use stones for some that are skandi grind, but overall like the speed and convex grind of the worksharps.
I had a Rubicon 4 door and now a Wildtrak with fox suspension. I understand it is basically the suspension from the ranger raptor. Jeep is smaller and ride is miserable compared to the bronco 4 door. The bronco has been great and is faster down 95% of the stuff out there. If you really want...
Cooper would be my choice, less expensive would be a kimber 8400 and if synthetic, seekins.
On side note, sounds like a tough kid and great parents to get through this and have a degree as well. I can't imagine how tough to see your kids in that pain and not be able to help. Great to hear...
Depends on what you are looking for really. Hardtail? Full Suspension? I am assuming hard tail, but maybe incorrectly. All the major brands have entry level models that are in the $600 range and they are all more bike that beginners will need. Trek, Scott, Giant, Specialized all make good...