James A. Brown

Keith & Keith Funeral Home

YAKIMA - Jim, 66, of Yakima went home to our Lord Wednesday July 20th, 2011 with his loving family by his side as a result of complications from a recent surgery. Jim was born July 1st, 1945 in Great Falls, Montana the son of James & Phoebe Brown. He was one of four siblings. He had an older sister Patty, and two younger brothers Billy & Kelly.

As a young man growing up in the 1950’s on the outskirts of Great Falls on the Missouri River, he enjoyed a childhood that most of us could only live vicariously through American Graffiti or Stand By Me. : )

When Jim was 15 he met the love of his life Carol Lyhne on a blind date that lasted a lifetime. After years of dating they were engaged on April Fool’s Day, 1964, They tied the knot on November 22, 1964 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Great Falls, Montana. They shared over 50 years of love, laughter, and friendship... this gave them the strength they needed to endure the many hardships that come with life.

In 1964 Jim began his duty to his country that spanned 28 years. He joined the Navy in 1964 and is a treasured Vietnam Veteran and proud sailor of the USS INDEPENDENCE. After his discharge in 1968, he worked for two years at Boeing while continuing to serve in the Navy Reserves. In 1970 he chose to enlist in the United States Coast Guard as a Machinery Technician 2nd Class where he served an additional 22 years of dedicated service. His last 10 years began in Yakima as the Officer in Charge of the Yakima Recruiting office and ended as the Recruiting Supervisor for the Western Region of the United States, based out of Seattle. He retired in 1992 as a decorated Master Chief (E9), the highest rank achievable within the enlisted ranks.

After retiring from the Coast Guard Jim went to work as a salesman for Lynch Motors in Yakima, Washington. Jim’s philosophy was to treat people in the manner that he would like to be treated, this broke the mold for what people traditionally thought of car salesmen. Jim’s approach proved to be very successful, and he was consistently “Salesman of the Month”, garnering “Salesman Of The Year” award 4 times. Jim worked at Lynch Motors for 9 years before moving on to a new adventure.

Jim’s passion to fix things, solve problems, and help people, fueled the launch of his handyman business, “Bella Painting and Repair” which was established in 2000. His company was named after his first granddaughter Isabella, “Bella” means beautiful in Italian. The problem, and the benefit of Jim’s approach to this work is that he did each job as if it were his own home, many times he took longer than another contractor would have, but the end product was always done with meticulous detail and perfection. Jim connected and developed relationships with his customers, many of them became good friends of his for years to come. The “Bella” rig was a familiar sight throughout the Yakima Valley.

Jim’s sense of duty was never more evident than in the manner in which he loved and provided for his precious family. Jim and Carol have two sons: James P. Brown was born November 7th, 1967 and Andrew S. Brown was born July 5th, 1972. Jim & Andy’s father and mother showed both boys what solid marriage and parenting looked like... and Jim & Carol take great pride in the husbands and fathers they have watched their sons become. These two boys have given their parents 5 grandchildren: Jim and his wife Regina have Isabella (11), Phoebe (6), & Lillian (5). Andy and his wife Stacey have Maggie (10) & Gavin (8).

There are many images that come to mind for those that knew Jim. The first would certainly be of cars; Jim had a life-long love of automobiles. He is most famously known for his ’71 Chevelle Super Sport (MOMS SS) that he and Carol purchased new in 1971 & his ’55 Chevy. Jim was also known for his legendary ability to fix anything. He took great pride in his home; another sight that brings a smile to your face and makes you forget you are living in Central Washington with its immaculate nautical theme. The Oregon Coast is one of Jim and Carol’s favorite destinations- Cannon Beach is their happy place. Another image is that of Cancer Survivor.

After retiring again in 2009 he was soon diagnosed with lung cancer and shocked and awed us all with his ability to kick its butt. Clearly he had battle scars, but endured. His motto: Attitude Is Everything! We will also never forget Jim’s amazing sense of humor (and many pranks) and infectious personality that was always welcoming, helpful, and friendly.

Jim is survived by his wife Carol and his sons Jim (Olympia, WA) and Andy (Kodiak, AK) and their families listed above, his two brothers Billy (Barb), Kelly (Debbie), his sister-in-law Shirley (Mike Guza). He is preceded in death by his parents James & Phoebe Brown, sister Patty Brown and his wife’s parents Peter & Mary Lyhne.

Please join Carol and her family in celebrating the life of her beloved husband Jim on Saturday, July 30th, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Yakima Foursquare Church, 700 N. 40th Ave. Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to Live Strong Foundation, c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902.