James D. Brown

James D. Brown, 85, of Merriam, Kansas, passed away, Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at his home.

Jim was born August 28, 1926, in Kismet, Kansas, to James V. and Annis J. Carter Brown. He was a Navy veteran of WWII. Jim had been a member of Legacy Christian Church since 1975. He worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline for 35 years, retiring in 1985. He then worked as a security guard for Mission Bank for 20 years. After his second retirement, he enjoyed some of his favorite hobbies such as woodworking and traveling with his wife, Alice.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and John Brown and a sister, Betty Jean Schawo. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice, of the home; three daughters, Mary Ebbs, Katy, Texas, Susan Beougher (Rodger Albert), Overland Park, Kansas, and Donna Brown, Katy, Texas; two sons, James Brown, Jr. (Dorothy), Fairfield, California, and Leonard Brown, Merriam, Kansas; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brother, Paul R. Brown, Ohio; sister, Joan Hammond, Tennessee; and extended family members, Darrel Beougher and George Ebbs.

Jim was a most patient, kind, and loving man. A strong and passionate believer in Christ, he loved to sing the old hymns. He had a wonderful bass voice he used to share his faith.

He was always there to help others. He always had a hug and positive word for everyone. A big and strong man but just a cuddly teddy bear inside. A handy man around the house, he enjoyed sharing his passion for woodworking with others. He was always joking and making others smile. Jim was a great role model for his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his faithful labradoodle, Hershey, and by all who knew him.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Legacy Christian Church, 10150 Antioch Road, Overland Park, Kansas 66212. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Monday, January 23, 2012, at the church, with burial in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, Olathe, Kansas.

The family suggests contributions to the Show-Me Christian Youth Home, P.O. Box 6, La Monte, Missouri 65337.