James Arthur “Jim” Brown, 85, of Marshall, MO, died Monday, September 25, 2023, at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall with William W. Harlow officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in Ridge Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to family choice and an online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.
Jimmy Arthur Brown was born on March 5, 1938, in Coody’s Bluff, OK, to the late Raymond D. Brown and Mary Elizabeth Howerton Brown. Jim was raised in the Nowata County, OK area where he graduated from high school in 1956. While he was still a junior in high school he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard which he served in for 3 ½ years. In 1958 he joined the United States Navy and graduated from boot camp in San Diego, CA, with honors. Jim served aboard the USS Missouri and in 1959 was transferred to the aircraft carrier, USS Midway. While aboard the USS Midway, he suffered a severe hand injury which resulted in 7 operations, the loss of two fingers, and a medical discharge in October 1962.
On September 25, 1964, he married Carroll Pendergraft who preceded him in death, less than a year ago, on October 24, 2022. In 1968 Jim and Carroll moved to Marshall, MO, where he worked as a deputy sheriff for many years and served on the Western Missouri Rural Major Case Squad for 32 years. He was a member of the Missouri Deputy Sheriff’s Association and served as its treasurer for five years. In addition to working, one of the things Jim and Carroll enjoyed doing was square dancing. They were members of the Boots and Slippers Square Dance Club, and served as state presidents of the Missouri Federation of Square and Round Dancers.
Jim was proud of his service to our country, but even more proud to be an American and honor our veterans by serving on the military funeral honors team. He helped organize funeral honors for veterans in this area for 32 years. He was a member of American Legion Posts 191 & 558 for 32 years and a 50 year member of the V.F.W. For more than 20 years he helped organize and assist with the Saline County Veteran’s Day program held at the county courthouse.
He is survived by one son, Randell Len Brown of Marshall, two grandsons, Joshua Len Brown (Stephanie Noel Brown), and Aaron Petty, all of Marshall; his pride and joy, great-granddaughter, Liliana Noel Brown; two sisters, Raye Beth Rogers (Lester) of Wann, OK and Judith Ann Jordan (John) of Nowata, OK; as well as nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Carroll; one son, Russell Lee “Rusty” Brown; and one brother, Jerry Brown.