James "Jim" Harry Brotherton

James Harry Brotherton, 81, died on October 22, 2026. Born January 19, 1945, Jim was born in Warsaw, New York to Robert and Arlene Brotherton. He later made his home in Sun Lakes, Arizona, where he was well known and warmly regarded.

Across a life marked by steady effort and practical wisdom, Jim brought a lightness of spirit that never felt forced—an easy humor that could soften a hard day and make room for perspective. He worked hard, provided faithfully, and carried himself with the kind of seasoned judgment that family and friends came to trust.

Before his retirement, Jim worked for Eastern Breeding, AO Smith Harvestore, and Prudential Insurance, and also worked as a ranger at Sun Lakes Country Club. In each role, he was known for showing up, doing the job thoroughly, and treating people with respect.

Jim was married to Dorothy “Dottie” Brotherton for 45 years. Jim is survived by his wife, Dottie; sons, Peter (Leanne) Brotherton of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Tom (Beth) Ward of Parker, Colorado; daughters, Pamela (Gabe) Susice of St Regis Falls, New York and Kerry Gayoso of Plantation, Florida.

Jim’s grandchildren include Peter II, Joshua (Erika), Danielle (Adam), William, Ryan (Justine), Lauren (Austin), Sarah (Jeff), Emily (Jackson), Katy (Tati), Sarah Ann, Augie (Stephanie), Jay and Julia.

Jim’s great grandchildren are: Harper, Holden, Samantha, Leo, Annabelle, Cali, Forest, Ben, Clara, Caiden, and Anthony.

Jim is also survived by his sisters: Donna Mann, Melody Beck, Linda Beck, and Cindy Johnson; and one brother: Robert “Skip” Brotherton, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Brotherton; daughter, Kelly Ward; and his parents, Robert and Arlene Brotherton.

Jim loved to play golf and cards, and he also loved reading fictional novels. A huge fan of professional and college baseball, football, and basketball, he followed the games with the same sharp attention and good-natured commentary that made time with him memorable. He and Dottie traveled throughout the world, but even then, what mattered most to Jim was being with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren—time together that he valued above anything else. His family will forever remember his famous saying: “They’ll learn...”

In Sun Lakes and beyond, Jim’s sense of responsibility extended into service. Jim started Sun Lakes Breakfast Lions Club in Arizona and was the district governor. He was also a member of Watertown (New York) Kiwanis. His leadership reflected a quiet steadiness—thoughtful, capable, and grounded in a genuine desire to help others.

The family would like to give special thanks to all the friends and family that have reached out to give the support and share stories of Jim (Dad).

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held in Arizona on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 12:00 - 3:00 PM at Mulligan’s in Sun Lakes, AZ: 25425 S Sun Lakes Blvd, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. A future celebration of life will be held in Western New York in early summer, 2027.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Lions Camp Tatiyee: P.O. Box 6910 Mesa, AZ 85216; www.camptatiyee.org; and GuideDogs of the Desert: www.gddca.org.