James Joseph Brown, age 78, of Glendale AZ, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at his home. He was born on April 5, 1942 to the late Lester and Marguerite (Hall) Brown in Sewickley, PA. He attended Sewickley Valley High School and then joined the army in 1959 at the age of 17. He spent three years in Europe which he says was a great duty. After Europe, James went to Fort Lewis in Washington State where he married Patricia Wesche on May 30, 1965. Right after his marriage, he was assigned to Vietnam with the Fifth of 27th Attachment to the 101 Airborne division. He returned in 1966 to be discharged after 7 years of service in the Army. After that, James worked as a welder for the steel mills and shipyards in Pittsburg, PA. He then moved to Phoenix Arizona in 1983 where he taught welding for seven years and then worked for Arizona Public Services at the Ocotillo Power Plant until he retired in 2000. James was an active member of Vietnam Veterans Associations and a volunteer ranger at the shooting range.
James enjoyed motorcycles, guns, Steelers, restoring old cars, and turning pens. He made friends with everyone he met and was always there to lend a helping hand. He loved his dogs and spending time with his family.
Jame Brown is survived by his loving spouse of 55 years, Patricia Wesche-Brown; his daughter Kimberly Brown-Gibson; 4 siblings, Eugene Brown, Larry Brown, Tom Horvat, and Carol Brown-Tabin; 2 grandchildren, Zack and Max Gibson; and many other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Earl Brown and Granddaughter Zaria Gibson.
Funeral Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 , at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ 85024. Due to Covid restrictions, this service is for family members only.
For all who would like to attend, there will be an open house celebration of life on March 4th, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the residence of James and Patricia Brown; 14007 N. 51st Drive; Glendale, AZ 85306. For more information please contact Kim Gibson at 623-695-0303.
Flowers or living plants may be sent to Kim Gibson at 1126 E Renee Drive; Phoenix AZ 85024
In lieu of flowers, contributions in James’s honor may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, https://donate.vvmf.org/page/contribute/support-vvmf-now.
Online condolences can be given at www.shadowmountainmortuary.com.
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