James "Jim" Brown

Born October 17, 1940, in Litchfield to Martin and Virginia Belle (Coate) Brown, he married Susan Koch on November 5, 1966, in Atkins, Iowa. She survives.

Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Kathleen Brown of Chicago; five nephews, Michael (Tina) Brown of Carpinteria, California, Connor (Christina) Brown of Chicago, Geoff Koch of Nashville, Tennessee, Jason (Olya) Koch of Washington, D.C. and Josh Koch of Boulder, Colorado; two nieces, Kaitlin (Reilly) Cleal of Charlotte, North Carolina and Jennifer (Matt) Larson of Bloomington, Minnesota and several great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Michael Brown.

Jim attended Eastern Illinois University and then continued his schooling and graduated from the University of Illinois School of Pharmacy, laying the foundation for a career defined by knowledge, diligence, and service to others.

A career pharmacist, James dedicated decades to his profession with consistent care and professionalism. He retired in 2006, as the manager of K-Mart Pharmacy in Pekin, concluding 25 years of service there. Earlier in his career, he worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, Champaign Doctors Pharmacy, and Thrifty Drugs in Pekin - earning respect through reliability, sound judgment, and a calm, capable presence.

Jim found lasting enjoyment as an avid golfer and member at Pekin Country Club for more than 50 years. He was meticulous and took pride in his yard, tending it with the same care he brought to every responsibility. He enjoyed traveling through the United States and abroad to Ireland, Germany, and the Caribbean. He also built flying, scale-model airplanes in breathtaking detail that demonstrated his patience and precision. He rooted for the Fighting Illini no matter their season record. He had a quiet nature and a subtle sense of humor, and while not flashy, he did enjoy his Corvettes and Jaguars. His canine “children,” Schatze and Casey, were his beloved and loyal companions for many years.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where he formerly served the church as an usher at the 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass each week.

His funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in The Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com