The veterans of Mesquite lost a brother on February 24, 2016 as Jim Brown passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ivins Veterans Home in Utah. In addition, the City of Mesquite lost a significant citizen.
Jim was born August 11, 1946 in Ontario, Canada and moved to Houston, Texas at a young age. At age 52 he found out he was adopted while applying for a concealed carry permit. The application process uncovered the fact that he was a naturalized citizen and had to go through some additional paperwork to get his permit. Coming as a surprise, Jim began to investigate his background and discovered he had two brothers and two sisters.
He met three of the four and maintained a relationship until his death. His younger brother was an U.S. Air force veteran but unfortunately passed away before Jim had a chance to meet him.
Jim enlisted in the Navy and served his country for 27 years. He served as a corpsman attached to the 5th Marines as well as many other capacities. He did two tours of duty in Vietnam. As an E6 Jim met and married his lovely wife Kathy.
While stationed in Guam, Jim received his bachelors degree from the University of Guam in Public Administration. Jim transferred into the reserves and settled in California where he earned his masters degree in Education. In 1990, Jim and Kathy moved to Mesquite where Jim became involved in a number of volunteer operations. Becoming involved with a local church, Jim attended Lake Charles Bible College and received his doctorate in theology.
Jim became the Veterans Service Officer a short time before the Mesquite Veterans Center opened its doors and continued after the center opened. Jim was one of four individuals who played a key role in the formation and opening of the veterans center. During his time as VSO (a volunteer position) Jim with significant assistance from his wife Kathy assisted hundreds upon hundreds of veterans in their pursuit of benefits. Jim was the most compassionate, polite and caring person I have ever met as he spent countless hours helping the veterans.
In addition to his wife Kathy, Jim leaves behind two sons, Steve of Mesquite and James of Huntington Beach, California and one grandson Russell.
The veterans of Mesquite thank Jim for his service both while serving in the United States Navy and as a Veteran Service Officer. We will miss you.
All donations to the Future Veterans Memorial at the new cemetery.
There will be a grave side service on Wednesday, March 2 at 11:00 AM at the Mesquite Cemetery. Light refreshments will be served at the Mesquite Veterans Center following the service.
A memorial in honor of Jim Brown will be held at the Mesquite Veterans Center on Saturday, March 5 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Eureka Hotel and Casino will be providing lunch following the service at the Veterans Center.
Truly a great man. RIP
I, along with my fellow staff members of Sun City Mesquite, had the extreme pleasure of working with Jim and other Mesquite veterans to raise funds for the veterans center. We were very proud of the monies we raised, but mostly treasured the hugs from Jim Brown and notes of appreciation we received from all involved.
When I initially approached Jim and Al Litman on what we could do to help I was told of meetings Jim, as the veteran’s service officer, held in coffee shops or fast food restaurants to help America’s greatest treasures, our veterans. We knew then that our focus would be to help build a veteran’s center, which we did.
Dr. Brown, you are a true American hero and it was a honor knowing you.
God Bless,
Sydney Young