Jim is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Brown; his sons Jimmy Brown, Joey Brown, Tommy Nichols, Ed Nichols; his grandchildren Jason Brown, Zach Nichols, Rachel Nichols; his great grandchildren Jaxon & Kenneth; his siblings Pauline, Philip, Joe, Gale, Rosie and Betty; and many nieces and nephews. Jim dearly loved his family and his friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Bertha Brown and granddaughter Brandy Brown.
Professionally, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Memphis State University, spending over 25 years in the Memphis City School system as teacher, administrator and board member.
Jim retired from the Marine Corps as Master Sergeant and until his death he was a dedicated member of the Marine Corps League. You would likely find Jim behind a podium, speaking of his military career, the significance of the Korean War, and his experience in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Jim also served in the Vietnam War. Throughout his military career, he received many honors and was proud of the Purple Heart with Gold Star, Korean Service Medal with 3 Gold Stars, Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Bronze Stars and Combat Action Ribbon with 3 Gold Stars.
Family and friends will gather on Thursday, March 9 from eleven o’clock in the morning until funeral services begin at noon all at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119. A funeral procession will follow to West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery where Jim will be laid to rest following military honors from the Marine Corps League.
The family requests memorials be made to the Marine Corps League. Online condolences, floral gifts and directions can be found by visiting www.memphisfuneralpoplar.net.
