James Brown

James was born on September 7th, 1945, to Ray and Tressie Brown at The Stork’s Nest, Tucson’s first maternity ward. He was the second oldest of their five children.

James grew up in Tucson, where he attended Amphitheater High School. He dedicated his entire life to his craft as a carpenter. In 1970, he married Mary Ann McArter, and together they had two sons, James and Daniel. Although their marriage didn't last, Mary and James remained close friends until his passing.

James was a natural leader, earning respect from both his friends and colleagues. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and found joy in baking and cooking. He was especially known for his homemade pies, pasta dishes, and meatloaf. A voracious reader of history, James was exceptionally knowledgeable in many areas of the subject. However, his favorite historical figure was Samuel Pepys, a seventeenth-century Englishman known as a writer, member of the British Parliament, and the Chief Secretary of the Admiralty of the British Navy. James could talk for hours about Mr. Pepys, to the delight—or more often the apathy—of those around him.

James was a proud Veteran, serving in the Army from July 1964 to July 1967.

He is survived by his two sons, James and Daniel; six grandchildren, Clint, Monique, Jack, Tucker, Ruby, and Chloe; one great-grandchild, Joseph; and his four siblings, Jeanne, Jerry, Judy, and Joe. His ex-wife Mary, as well as many other relatives and friends.

A Remembrance and Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Friday, August 8th, at 10:00 AM at the Marana Mortuary Cemetery. A burial will follow at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, Arizona.

Condolences may be left on the Marana Mortuary and Cemetery’s online guest book at www.MaranaMortuaryCemetery.com.