Beloved husband of Wendy. Cherished Dad of James III, Katherine, Samuel, Matthew, Andrew and Rachel. Known as Papa J to his 9 loving grandchildren. Also survived by his younger brother William Claud Brown, step-mother Marcella Brown and many cousins, extended family, and close friends.
Most known as Jim, Jimmy, Jason, or J, he can be described as a carefree hippy of the 60s; walking, riding, hiking, driving his way through more than 30 U.S. states during his younger years. He loved the outdoors and always wanted to see the redwoods in California (it was on his bucket list-and one of the few states he had yet to visit). J spent time in the Rocky Mountains camping, canoeing, collecting Native American artifacts, and hiking. It was during one such trip that he came to loath Ramen noodles--he was forced to eat them morning, noon, and night for several days during a fierce snow storm that kept him stranded in his tent. "Jimmy's" self-taught knowledge of wildlife, especially birds, began when he was a young boy(as the sight of his hundreds of 1950s-2000s field guides, pictures, manuals, and books can attest to!) J could hear the call of a bird and tell you the type of bird, describe its appearance, and inform you when it was brought to the United States; or when the Louis and Clark Expedition documented it's indigenous habitat. Jim was also a huge history buff that loved to share history trivia from battles that occurred during Biblical times, strategies used by Napoleon, and missions lead by WWII Generals. But he was most proud of his family history and being in possession of U.S Civil War papers from his ancestor Johnny Y. Brown, about whom J could bend your ear for hours describing Johnny's life and patriotism. Jim thought he would have made a great Viking warrior during the Viking Era of word history with his knowledge of handmade weaponry, sense of adventure, and of course with his 'fierce' beard, mustache, and hair. He also envisioned himself as 'nobility', very much enjoying donning medieval costumes while attending the annual Michigan Renaissance Festival.
No matter the term of endearment--J, Dad, Jim, Jimmy, Jason, Papa J; he will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him...but we take comfort in knowing we will see him again, one day, in heaven.
His favorite saying : "If it is knowledge that will not bring you monetary gains, I have it."
Visitation will be on Saturday, April 20 from 12-6pm with a funeral service beginning at 6pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, Wayne.
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