James “Jim” Douglas Brown

May 13, 1947 – October 26, 2024

With great sorrow the family of James “Jim” Douglas Brown announces his passing on the morning of Saturday, October 26, 2024, peacefully at his home with family by his side.  Preceded in death by his parents the late John William Brown Sr. and Violet Margaret Brown (nee Slinger), and his late brothers John William Brown Jr. and Joseph “Joey” Brown.  His beloved wife Julie Ann Brown (nee Hasenpflug) preceded him in death, on August 22, 2020.  James Douglas Brown was born on Tuesday, May 13, 1947, in the city of St. Louis, Missouri.

Jim leaves behind his son James Douglas Curts (Husineh) and their children Thoros, Vrej and Aren.  Jim also leaves behind three loving stepdaughters.  Christina (Brian) Bunetic along with her sons Tyler, Kyle Dugan, Brennan and Andrew Bunetic.  Jennifer (Brad) Williamson and their children Grant and Logan Williamson.  Lastly, Susan (Daniel) Avila and his granddaughters Maya Renee, Elena Caitlyn Miller and the youngest granddaughter Gabriela Amelia Avila.  Jim leaves behind his younger sister Susan Ann Frey (nee Brown), her husband, the late James Dennis Frey, his niece Dawn (Jason) and Dawn’s son Tristian.  Although not related by blood but united by faith his brother Mark (Elizabeth) and their children Craig (Kala), Kyle and Cole Stevison.

Jim proudly served our county in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged, he decided to reenlist again in the eighties.  He was an iron worker by day with Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc.  and on his days off from Ryerson, he successfully ran his own DJ business for over forty years.  He served as a fourth-degree knight with the Knights of Columbus.  A proud member of the Solid 50’s Club, Jitter Swing Dance Club, and was recently named Dance Club Member of the Year by South Side Imperial Dance Club for 2024.  He and his wife were members of the congregation at Holy Innocents Catholic Church and later became of the parishioners at St. Gabriels the Archangel.  He touched many people’s lives and will be truly missed.  Everyone knew of Jim’s kindness, generosity and willingness to help whether it was needed or not.  In life he was always on the move and only really slowed down enjoy time with his many grandchildren.  Many people knew of him simply as “Papa Jim”.