James F. "Jim" Brown's Obituary
Decatur – Green Bay Packers #1 Fan, James F. Brown, took his seat in the ultimate skybox on July 18, 2014.
Jim was born in Decatur, October 7, 1938, son of Leo and Helen Brown. Jim graduated St. Thomas Grade School and St. Teresa High School, Class of ’56. He married Diana Sunderland October 30, 1959 and celebrated 54 wonderful years.
Jim served his Sheet Metal Apprenticeship at King Lar and Longbons. In 1978 he co- founded Craftmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal and in 1984 became partner of Prarie Central Maintenance, retiring in 2009.
Jim proudly served with the Illinois National Guard for ten years. He was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for over 50 years, was a member of the Very Rev. Jeremiah J. Murphy Assembly #211, Knights of Columbus Council #577, and member of South Side Country Club where he enjoyed many occasions with the “Brunch Bunch”.
Jim, a thoughtful and humble man, was always ready to help out and share his many talents with others. He attributed his success to those around him. He enjoyed his family and travels to various places, especially exploring the Hawaiian Islands through the eyes of his granddaughters. An avid sports fan, he always enjoyed a ball game or the annual Packer’s Shareholders meeting at Lambeau Field, instilling Packer loyalty to his daughter and granddaughters, although his son-in-law remains a Bear’s fan.
Jim is survived by his soul mate, Diana, his daughter Michele “Micki” her husband John Mass and their daughters – his pride and joy- Emma and Fiona of San Marino, California; a brother Walter of Farmington, New Mexico; sister Helene “Lanie” Brown and her children David, Jeannie and Michael all residing in California; nephew Brian Eddings of Georgia and great-nephew Buck Eddings of Florida; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley James and his parents.
A special thank you to Jerry and Nancy Wade for their loving help and support. The family would also like to thank Dr. Khan and Dr. J for their counsel, concern and care.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Rev. Richard Weltin, celebrant; visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or St. Teresa High School.
The Brown family is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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