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Jim Brown

veteranJun 27th, 1936 - Jun 9th, 2024

Funeral Service: 10 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora

Interment: Oak Mound Cemetery, Xenia

Visitation: 6-8 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home

 

      James William “Jim” Brown, age 87, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024, at his home in Xenia.

      Jim was born June 27, 1936, in rural Xenia, the son of Dennie and Daisy (Woodward) Brown.  He graduated from Flora Township High School in 1954 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He was commissioned at Great Lakes, served in Japan and aboard the U.S.S. Hector, and was discharged from Treasure Island in 1962.  He married Carolyn Sue Fitzjarrald on October 11, 1959, at the Shiloh Church.  They had two daughters, Tammy and Lisa.

      Jim worked a number of jobs after his service, including for his father-in-law and at Sparton Manufacturing before finally retiring as a tool and die maker from Salem North American Lighting in 1999. He was a hardworking man throughout his life and could make or fix anything imaginable.  Often people would bring broken parts to him even after his retirement, and he was able to create a replacement in his home shop.  Jim enjoyed hunting with his Missouri relatives and fishing with his younger brother Charlie.  He and Sue spent many hours in the woods riding four-wheelers and hunting for mushrooms.  He attended many auctions and brought home unique finds and anything he thought his grandkids might enjoy, especially musical instruments and books.  He and Sue traveled from one end of the country to the other, often pulling their camper with them.  In later years, he traveled with his daughters and their families to explore Yellowstone, Washington State, Sequoia, Yosemite, and the Redwood forests of northern California.  Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed reading and watching westerns, and he had a soft spot for any John Wayne movie or Louis L’Amour novel.  His most prized possession, however, was his family.  Jim was a strong man who married his match in Sue.  Together they raised two strong women who passed that on to their own children.

      Jim is survived by two daughters: Tammy Schwaninger Boose (husband Robert) of Xenia and Lisa Broadway (husband Doug) of Yelm, WA; five grandchildren: Stephanie Mitchell (husband Ryan) of Effingham, Chad Schwaninger of Florida, Bethany Finney (husband Derrick) of Gays, Greg Boose of Xenia, and Zan Broadway of Washington; ten great-grandchildren: Tysha, Ashlyn, Joanna, Carder, Austin, Nora, Keatan, Avery, Kierstan, and Rhett; three great-great-grandchildren: Avayah, Adalee, and Aisland; a sister: Ileen Young of Summersville, MO; two sisters-in-law: Joyce Brown of Streator and Sherry Brown of Arizona, as well as numerous nieces, nephew, cousins, and extended family. He was also cared for by a special angel, Gertie, during his final days.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; his parents, Dennie and Daisy; his stepfather, Buzz Martin; his stepmother, Etta Brown; four brothers: Dale, Kenneth, Charlie, and Jerry; and son-in-law: Brent Schwaninger.

      A funeral service for Jim Brown will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Doug Broadway officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Mound Cemetery, Xenia with the presentation of military funeral honors.  A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to the local Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com

 

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Condolences

Angela Hemrich

June 11th

So very sorry to hear this Tammy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Pastor Tim Hahn

June 11th

I was always grateful for Jim’s friendship and I’m glad Alyssa and I got to see him one more time. He raised two amazing daughters and his grandchildren are wonderful people. He’ll be missed!

Kim Welty

June 11th

Sending my heartfelt condolences 🙏 Tammy & family's!! I'm so very Sorry for your family's loss. Sending loads of LOVE ❤️

Trudy J Zimmerman Stanford

June 11th

I am so sorry for your loss.

Larry and Donna Milner

June 12th

Sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers for the family.

Mary Huston

June 12th

Sorry for your Loss. Sending Love , and Prayers. God Bless

Terry Igert

June 13th

I'm very sorry for your loss!! Praying for you all!!!

Kevin Brown

June 13th

Sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone in his family.

April Lynn (Burns) Morgan , and Angela Kay (Burns) Burgess

June 13th

We're Sorry for the loss of your Dad. Your in Our thoughts , and Prayers . God Bless

Judy Garman Gluck

June 13th

Dearest Tammy, Lisa and extended family, My heart feels your hearts...I'm so sorry for the loss of Uncle Jim. He was an extraordinary wonderful man with a contagious smile. I will always remember and be thankful for our good times together over the years. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Big heartfelt love and hugs, Judy* xo "Praise be to [God]...who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Gale Painter

June 14th

Mr. Jim Brown was a gentleman with a big heart. I was at his wedding and attended Shiloh Church with him. He always called me Painter. I will miss him dearly. Prayers to the family.

OM2 Shoji USS Hector 72-75

July 4th

Fair winds and following seas, sir .. rest well...

 

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Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services

500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839

Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]

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