Jim Brown

On August 22, 2019, Jim O. Brown,  90, quietly departed this life.  Jim was born to Bert Brown and Florida Todd on July 30, 1929 in Planview, Arkansas.  He was the last living sibling of nine children.

Jim moved to Independence, Kansas when he was 14 and attended Independence schools.  He joined the United States Marine Corp where he served 2 years active duty and 4 years in the Reserves. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in the Korean War.    Jim married Arlene (Fisher) Brown on January 17, 1954 in Coffeyville, Kansas. From this union, three children were born.  He was employed at Kansas Gas and Electric Company for 33 years; owned a contract cleaning business and a lawn service.

When not working, you would find Jim on the golf course.  He bought a golf cart and trailer and would play in tournaments.  His wife, Arlene would accompany him to tournaments mainly in Wichita and Topeka.  Jim brought home numerous trophies.  He also enjoyed yearly hunting trips to western Kansas with his brother RD and friends.

Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as an Usher and Sunday School Teacher.  He was actively involved in a number of clubs and civic groups in the community to include: Marine Corp League; Disabled Veterans (DAV); Kingsmen Club;                                     Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW); Independence Historical Museum and participated in the Avenue of Flags during Memorial Day weekend.

Jim met no strangers and loved to travel to many states often visiting friends, family and attending family reunions.  In the early 1990’s, he traveled with his daughter to Europe.   He was a humble, caring and giving person.  Jim Odis Brown was a true gentleman.

Survivors are his daughter Alisa White and son-in-law Louis of El Paso, TX; daughter Anita Brown of Kansas City, MO; granddaughter Janae Green of Dallas, Texas and foster daughter Tracy Neal of Fort Worth, Texas and his loving caregiver, Linda Salazar of Independence, Kansas.  Additional grandchildren include: Keith and Debra (White) Jackson, Monroe, Louisiana; Louis White, Jr. Atlanta, Georgia; Letabian and Shacara (Green) Lee of Okinawa, Japan.  Great-grandchildren are Brendon White; Keith Jr, and Catherine Jackson; Louis White III; and Letari and Braxton Lee.

His Independence family include sister in-law, Eloise Wesley; brother- in-law, Robert Wesley; sister- in-law, Marta Thompson, nephew Fred Brown (Shirley) and niece, Monique Brown  and brother-in-law, Wilbert Fisher of Omaha, Nebraska and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Opal Arlene; his wife, Arlene; sisters: Lena Norman, Christine Norman and brothers: RD, Richard, Roy, Joe, Bud, Booker T. and Bertram Brown.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be at Webb & Rodrick Funeral Home on Thursday, August 29th from 5 – 7pm. Funeral services are scheduled Friday, August 30th at the First United Methodist Church at 11:00 am.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.