Til We Meet Again, Brother Brown

James David Brown, husband to Ann Virginia Gourley Brown, "Dad" to five daughters and a son, and beloved "Grandpa" to nearly two dozen, passed away quietly in St. George in the early morning hours of Monday, May 18 at age 78.

One of four children, Jim was born in Mar Vista, California and grew up in Santa Monica where he attended school and lettered in three sports. After graduating from high school, former world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey offered to sponsor Jim to any college of his choice, but instead Jim chose to serve a mission to Great Britain. Later he began a successful career which spanned nearly thirty years as an interior decorator and owner of Brown’s Furniture in Sierra Madre, California - where he was recently honored on "Jim Brown Day" with a framed proclamation from the city. Signed by all five members of the city council, the proclamation acknowledged his "dedicated service to the community of Sierra Madre." During his years in southern California, Jim served as President of the Sierra Madre Community Hospital; on the Sierra Madre Redevelopment Committee and on the Advisory Board of Lloyd’s Bank.

Throughout his lifetime he also served the Lord and helped spread the gospel as a stake mission president; through service in the church as an elder, a seventy and a high priest; and for several years as a counselor in a bishopric and as a ward clerk. In retirement in St. George, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening and singing in the choir.

Brother Brown’s gentle demeanor and deep testimony will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sister Brown and her family.