James E. Brown

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 3, 2011, at 6pm at Grace Lutheran Church, Grafton, for James E. Brown, of Grafton, who died peacefully on Wednesday, September 28, at age 85, after a long and happy life. Visitation will be held Monday at the church from 4pm until the time of service. Memorials to the American Lung Association or to Grace Lutheran Church appreciated. Jim was born on May 31, 1926, to Laura and Elton Brown. He grew up along the Milwaukee River, which he always considered his “own.” He graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee in January of 1944, where he had been an accomplished swimmer, diver and track star. Jim joined the United States Navy on June 13, 1944, and was stationed on the island of Ulithia during the later stages of WWII. After his tour of duty, which ended June 27, 1946, he went on to become an active member of the Elm Grove American Legion. Jim paved his own way to college – he attended Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) – by participating in the Turners, a well-known tumbling and trampolining troupe. Between competitions, he managed to earn his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and graduated in 1952. He spent many years as an electrical engineer, but his real passions in life were hitting the golf course with his buddies, cheering on his favorite Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, spoiling his favorite kitty, Fancy, and spending time with his treasured family. He was loved beyond belief and is survived by his dear wife, Kathy (nee Monson); his two cherished daughters Gwen (Rodney) Downing and Gail (the late Bruce) Corrigan; and his grandchildren Christy Corrigan, Carla Corrigan, Leigh Downing and Frank Downing – of whom he was ever proud. He is further survived by his step-children Michael (Lisa) O’Dell and Kelly O’Dell; 5 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Memorials to the American Lung Association or Grace Lutheran Church appreciated.