Jim Brown

BROWN, James Thomas “Jim” “JT”, left behind his earthly body on June 4, 2017 to soar with the angels. He was born in Blytheville, Arkansas in 1931 to James Noble Brown and Betty Louise Murdaugh Brown. His early childhood was spent there until the family move to Chicago where he met his first wife in junior high. Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country in the Korean War. The Marines set him on his career path as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic. Upon returning from Korea, he married the girl he met in junior high. They moved to Texas and then to Virginia in 1955. Virginia Tractor Company, later Carter Equipment was his employer until retirement. After the death of his first wife, an acquaintance, Gloria Gardner, became a friend and then a wife. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, attending ball games, family reunions, and weddings. He was proud that he was able to not only attend his 25th anniversary party, but also his wife's 90th birthday celebration. A new hobby of clocks and miniature tools became his passion. He loved talking about the Bible and reading. Jim will be missed by family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jean Matthias Brown; his sister, Earlene Carswell; and daughter, Andrea C. Ambrogi. His is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gloria I. Gardner Brown; two sisters, Mary Lou Baker and Juanita Bennett; his daughter, Danita Tiller (David); his son, David Brown (Donna); Gloria’s children, Ann Ogden, Blair Gardner, Robert Gardner, Susan Gardner, and Amy Gardner; a niece, Kitty Sandel; and two nephews, Keith Baker and David Bennett. He was blessed by many grandchildren; great grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2017 at the Nelsen Funeral Home, Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, Va. 23005, where a service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Interment will follow in Signal Hill Memorial Park.