James W. Brown's Obituary
JAMES W. BROWN
Beloved James W. Brown passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the age of 87. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to George F. and Helen C. Brown, who soon after, moved their growing family of seven to Lawnside, NJ. He was a resident of Cinnaminson for the past 50 years.
James W. Brown was affectionately known as “Jim” by all. However, to some family and friends he was also known as “Jimmy”.
Jim proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1953 to 1966, retiring as Staff Sergeant. Jim built his career of over 40 years with the Cinnaminson Board of Education. First as a bus mechanic he ultimately became the Township’s Transportation Supervisor. He and his wife also owned a successful Transportation Company for special needs children.
Jim enjoyed fishing, boating, (most times with his 42ft Viking boat named lovingly after his wife…The “Shirley Too”) working on cars, busses, etc. He was fascinated by taking anything apart, then putting it back together. He and his wife traveled together frequently, to include a tour of 13 European countries. He very much enjoyed driving across the US experiencing its beauty, several times over. He was very adventurous. He loved music, great food, and of course spending time with his family. His life was spent in service of others. He humbly and tirelessly put the needs of others before his own and believed strongly in what was right. He was genuine, truthful, and trustworthy.
Jim gave his daughters both-fairy tale childhoods. They knew that him being their father was a gift as he expressed to them, however, it was their gift to have had him every minute of every day. He taught them life lessons with honesty, integrity, sensitivity, and instilled in them the ability to dream big. It was a blessing for them to be able to say “that's my dad" and for him to say “those are my girls” so proudly. The world could see him through their eyes. No matter the distance-he was never too far. Their greatest gift has and will always be him.
Just to know Jim for a brief time you'd soon find out there was never a joke you could outwit him with. He loved to smile and laugh. Jim was loved, respected and admired by everyone who knew him. He would do anything possible to help those in need, whether family, friends or strangers. He shared that respect for all. Near to his heart, he was sure to donate to the children of the Shirley B. Foster Elementary School in honor of his dear sister Shirley. He did this anonymously on her behalf, not only to help families in need but to keep Shirley's memory in everyone's heart. James W. Brown was a GREAT MAN.
James W. Brown is predeceased by his parents; George and Helen Brown, his son Daniel Marten, siblings George F. Brown II, Charles L. Brown, Shirley B. Foster, Helen B. Hollis and Phyllis L. Banks.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 47 years Shirley J. (nee Brennian) Dear sister Delores (Precious Dolly) DeBruce, Loving daughters Yvonne R. Brown-Flakes (Jimmy), Michelle L. Brown-McKinnie and adored daughter-elect Dee (Deedols) DeBruce, sons William F. (James P) and Richard(Diane)Dunn and adored son-elect Keith Fleming, Cherished grandchildren Ian J. Askew and Aja M. Griffin (Aaron), Stephanie, Janine & Jimmy Flakes, Jr., Jessica Haley, Curtis, Evan, Chase & Taylor Dunn. Great-Grandchildren Noella A. Askew, Atlas “James” Griffin, Jada, Da'wayne & Chance Flakes, Dia'Moniqe (Arshawn), Miachle A., Miachle, Alex R. Flakes, Logan, Maggie, Ryder, Heyes, Isabella & Areya Dunn, Dana, Christine & Amanda Dunn and a host of extended sons, daughters, nieces, nephews cousins and friends. Jim would want to make a special acknowledgement to his newly found cousin Danielle McDonald & family- an extension of his mother's brother and namesake the late James McDonald. He has left an incomparably vast family legacy that will profoundly miss him…
Funeral Services: Viewing 11-1pm, Service 1-2pm
Givnish Funeral Home
1200 US Route 130
Cinnaminson, NJ
Special thanks to our dear friend Michael Givnish
Burial Procession: 2pm With Military Honors will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. For additional donation information honoring Jim’s memory contact daughter Michelle at [email protected]
To share your memories of Jim, please visit https://www.givnish.com/m/obituaries/James-Brown-424/ or search James W. Brown at www.givnish.com
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