James S. Brown, known as “Big Jim”, entered into heaven on February 16, 2018 at the age of 103. He had resided at the Towers Park Lane in San Antonio for many years where he led a very active life. Jim spent his last year living comfortably at The Village at Incarnate Word.
Jim was born on April 14, 1914 in Chester, PA, the only child of Harold and Miranda (Shaffer) Brown. As a youth, he was active in sports, playing football and basketball on school teams. He graduated from high school in 1932. Jim credited the YMCA for helping him understand the true values in his life and providing him with guidance in maintaining good health throughout his life.
Jim joined Scott Paper Co. in 1933, when President Roosevelt established the National Recovery Act. As the President's programs lifted the country out of The Great Depression, Jim advanced through the plant's paper making operations while attending night school at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Design, he graduated after 6 years, in 1941. His career path included responsibilities at Scott plants in many states and led to his rise to Vice President of Operations in the Philippines. He retired after 48 years of service at the age 67.
Jim was married to Mary (Weir) Brown, his high school sweetheart; tragically, they lost a son (stillborn) and their only living child, Linda, age 5. Mary passed away in 2002 after 67 years of marriage.
In retirement, Jim joined the International Executive Service Club founded by David Rockefeller and other business leaders in 1964 to help Third World countries. In this volunteer role, he traveled to many nations, assisting them with industrial and economic development programs. Jim was an active member of the Alamo Heights Rotary Club and a concerned contributor to its World Service programs, which also seek to improve lives through economic and sustainable development. In recent years, he traveled extensively with fiancée, Paulette Reilly, visiting many countries and enjoying a happy life together.
Jim was the quintessential gentleman; a man of integrity, good will and generosity. Born just prior to the onset of World War I, he lived through a century of unparalleled historical changes and upheavals as well as personal loss, yet through it all, he remained optimistic. Anyone asking for his secret to a vibrant longevity would hear the same response. "A positive attitude," he would say, "keep a positive attitude."
He is survived by his late wife's family, including sister-in-law Helen B. Cooper and her husband Col. Irven “Buddie” Cooper. He also leaves behind his loving companion of many years, Paulette Reilly. A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 3 at 11:00 a.m., at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy., San Antonio, TX 78218. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
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