Jim Lee Brown, 78, passed away at his home in Mesa, Arizona on May 25, 2022. Jim was born on July 17, 1943 in Farmersburg, Indiana to William Ross and Dessie Marie (Vangilder) Brown, the youngest of their 3 sons.
Jim is survived by his two sisters-in-law, Mary Kate Brown and Betty Feltz; his nieces, Sara Gerlach (and great niece Katie), Dorothea “Doe” Bedford and Mickey; and nephews Doug Brown and James Michael Brown; his wife’s children (and spouses), Frank “Putzie” Cook, Ruth “Dolly” Johnson (Curtis), Bob AutumnCook (Julie), Pete Cook (Danae) and Ric Cook; his wife’s grandchildren (and spouses), Glenn Johnson (Tami), Amy Dorr (Don), Emmett Johnson (Sarah), Evan Johnson, Christina Crocker (Mike), April Cross (Jeff), Shawn Cook (Vickie), Cori Edwards, Danae Ginean Dotolo (Kathleen), Josh Dotolo, Julie Franklin (Jason), Bryan Cook; special friends and loved ones: Christina Ovando, Natascha Karadsheh and family, Renate and Mike Callahan, the Chickadaunce family, the Brewers, the Wrights and the Beastalls; and five cats: Tommy, Churchill, Winston, Hansie and Mitzie.
Jim was preceded in death by his dear wife Ruth Lasar Brown (February 12, 1923 – September 6, 2016), his mother Dessie Vangilder Brown, his father Ross Brown, his brothers Harry Brown and Joe Brown, his stepdaughter-in-law Gloria Cook, many beloved cats, dogs and one very spoiled dove.
Jim had a compassionate heart and was always quick to assist an animal or person in need. Jim, along with his wife Ruth, loved music, the arts and all animals, especially cats and birds. Jim was a devoted supporter of PBS Television, KKJZ “KJazz” Radio and various animal charities.
A viewing will be held for Jim on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 1:00pm at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona 85207. Services will be at 2:00pm performed by Reverend Myron Nysether followed by a light reception. Jim will then be laid to rest, alongside his wife, in the Lasar Brown mausoleum.
In Jim’s honor, please consider donating to the Arizona Humane Society, UNICEF or another charity that provides assistance to animals or child victims of war.
A very special Thank You to these ladies of BrightStar Care: Yolanda Martinez, Terri, Tina and Kathleen. Thank you to Hospice of the Valley and thank you for many years of service to Jim’s Housekeeper, Maria B. Also, thank you to the owners and staff of Mountain View Mortuary for caring for Jim and Ruth.
Ruth, I will forever be by your side and love you until the end of time. Love, Jim
Many friends come into our lives — but only a few leave extraordinary marks on our hearts like Jim, Wishing you comfort and support.