James H Brown

James Hughes Brown, age 92, passed away peacefully after a long decline on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at his home in Portland Oregon. He was born January 25, 1923, the first son of James Laverne Brown and Marion Isabelle Brown. Jim was born in Seattle but moved to Yakima at the age of 6. He graduated high school in Yakima as salutatorian and began his studies at the University of Washington where he was a member of Theta Delta Chi - ΘΔΧ.

When the war began he joined the Army Air Corps, training in California and Arizona . He spent his active duty piloting C-47s, transporting men and equipment "over the hump" from India into Burma and China. After the war he continued his studies at the University of Washington graduating with BS degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering. He went on to pursue graduate studies, eventually graduating from UW in 1953 with a PhD in Physics.

During those years he met and married Nancy Helen Degler from Olympia. Before long they were the proud parents of Michael,who was to be their only child. After his graduation the family moved to Richland and later Kennewick where he worked for GE at Hanford, eventually becoming manager of the D and DR reactors.

In December of 1962 the family moved to suburban Philadelphia (Berwyn) so Jim could continue his work with GE. He served in management at GE's Space Sciences Laboratories in King of Prussia near Valley Forge, doing research to support the nation's space program. During the next 7 years the family enjoyed the east coast and all the cultural experiences that it offers. By 1970 Jim and Nancy were back in Richland where Jim began working with Exxon Nuclear, selling fuel to customers in Asia. By now the pattern was clear: 7 years in one place, then move, which explains their lifelong participation in Newcomers Clubs. Nancy and Jim later moved to Redmond where they lived in Sahalee and learned to play golf in earnest. This was followed by a short stay in Cupertino, California and an even shorter period living in Taipei,Taiwan.

When Jim retired they relocated to the Degler family compound northwest of Olympia. There they built a new home on 5 acres and lived for a happy 18 years. When the landscaping became too much in 1998, they moved to smaller quarters at Indian Summer in Lacey where they renewed their love of golf, bridge and entertaining large groups of friends. It was during this period that Nancy and Jim began recreational travel in earnest. They visited China, South America, and the Caribbean and toured Europe several times, with Rick Steves, on cruise ships, river boats and barges. In about 2010 they moved to assisted living at Bonaventure in Lacey.

Nancy passed away the day after Christmas 2012. Jim and Nancy were a devoted couple, married for 66 years.

In September 2015 Jim moved to Portland to be closer to family. Jim is survived by his son Michael (Janet), grandson Tyler (Haley), two great-grandchildren (Ella and Alex), brothers-in-law Bill Degler and Larry (Ardell) Degler,sister-in-law Irene and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Robert.

No memorial service is currently planned. Graveside services will be private at an undetermined future date.

In lieu of flowers remembrances can be made to Providence Hospice (http://oregon.providence.org/our-services/p/providence-foundations/hospice-funds/).