James E. Brown

James E. Brown, a longtime educator in the Shawnee Mission School District who influenced thousands of young people over the course of his career, passed away at his Overland Park home on December 13, 2011. The loving father of four children and grandfather of two died at age 87.

Jim taught English at Shawnee Mission high schools for 27 years, where he was well known for his innovative techniques and his ability to connect with students of varying skill levels. He was honored as the Kansas Teacher of the Year in 1976 during his tenure at Shawnee Mission West.

Jim earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in English at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. He served his country as a fighter pilot in World War II, flying P47s and making 85 missions in Italy, France, and Germany. He earned five air medals and was very proud of his service with the 524 Fighter Squadron 27th Fighter Group.

Jim was born on July 21, 1924, in Manhattan, Kansas, and grew up in Council Grove, Kansas. He was a member of Unity Church at 103rd Street and Antioch.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of more than 50 years, Jean, whom he married on August 29, 1946. His attentive care allowed her to spend the last year of her life at home.

A writer and avid reader his entire life, he took up acrylic painting after retirement and produced many beautiful pastoral scenes of the Midwest.

Survivors include four children, Cathy Brown, Mills River, North Carolina, Dennis Brown, Lawrence, Kansas, Teresa Brown, Leawood, Kansas, and Gary Brown (and wife Tamara), Indianapolis, Indiana. Jim will also be missed by his brother, Harold Brown (and wife Lorene), Council Grove, Kansas; sister-in-law Donna Helbig, Minneapolis, Minnesota.; two grandchildren, Duncan Brown, Lawrence, Kansas and Sydney Brown, Muncie, Indiana; numerous nieces and nephews and Pam Nolan, a close friend of the family.

Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 18, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 19, 2011, at the Unity Church of Overland Park with burial in the Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Unity Church of Overland Park, 10300 Antioch, Overland Park, Kansas 66212.