Brown, James Edward 'Jim'

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: BROW.J006
• Census: 1 May 1940, Pixley Township, Clay County, Illinois; 1940 Census, Pixley Township, Clay County, Illinois, page 02b

Family/Spouse: Hunley, Minnie Marie. Minnie (daughter of Hunley, Charles and Cockerel, Minnie Dallas) was born on 24 Oct 1903 in Clay County, Illinois; died on 28 Jun 1997 in Clay County Hospital (Old Location), Flora, Clay County, Illinois; was buried on 2 Jul 1997 in Smith Cemetery, Sailor Springs, Clay County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: BROW.C005
• _FGRAVE: 188985389

Notes:

Charles “Tom” Thomas Brown, age 94 of Clay City, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Aperion Care in Bridgeport. Tom was born on June 7, 1923 in Clay City Township, Clay City, IL, the eldest son of James and Marie (Hunley) Brown. He married Vida Mae Phillips on March 6, 1943 in Sailor Springs, IL. She preceded him in death on November 1, 2007.

Together, Tom and Vida Mae had three children; Shirley Osborn of Bridgeport, IL, Dale (Darla) Brown of Beebe, AR, and Philip (Synda) Brown of Clay City, IL. They were also blessed with a legacy of ten grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

Tom was a farmer, welder, and inventor his entire life. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, he was instrumental in conservation tillage, working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in adapting to their practices. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, he owned and operated Brown’s Welding Service, working mainly with Union Oil Company as their welder.

Tom and Vida Mae retired in 1986 and spent many years traveling and camping with many friends and neighbors. They really enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and just visiting with others. Tom never met a stranger and loved being able to help others. Tom lived a long and full life and was blessed with a loving family and many wonderful friends and neighbors. He will be missed.

Tom is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by siblings Nancy and Johnny.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vida Mae, and siblings Helen and Jimmy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Bridgeport Senior Citizens Center or to the County Line Sodbusters.

A visitation/celebration of life will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Clay City.

Interment will be in Smith Cemetery at a later date in a private family service.

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Eyer. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Kraus. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: BROW.J009

Notes:

"Jimmy" graduated from CCCHS with the class of 1958 and from the University of Illinois in 1963. He went to work for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis and, after attending special classes in New York City, was transferred to New Mexico. He later took a position with General Dynamics, Ft. Worth, where he had been for almost two years before his death.