James William "Jim" Brown (87) of Xenia

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 SchwaningerBoose (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: by clicking here.