Funeral Services for James G. Brown, Age 80 of Alton, Missouri will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 at The Clary Funeral Home, Alton, Missouri, beginning at 2:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place in The Hickory Cemetery, Alton, Missouri.
James Gene Brown passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at the age of 80. He was born on
September 23, 1945, in St. Louis Missouri, to Jack and Inez Brown and spent most of his
childhood in Missouri and Idaho, on the family farm. James graduated from High School in 1965, and
soon after served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, from 1965 to 1969,
earning an honorable discharge for his dedicated service.
James was united in marriage to Mary Kathleen (Strain) Brown on April 4, 1970. To this union two
daughters were born, Sherri Crowley and Nancy Brown. After spending many years in St. Louis Missouri,
the couple relocated to their hometown of Alton Missouri, and recently moved to West Plains Missouri,
where James remained with his loving wife of 56 years until his passing.
Several months after studying the Bible with his brother Junior Brown, James professed his belief in
Jesus Christ and was baptized in the Eleven Point River in 2018. He became a member of the Alton
Church of Christ. James especially enjoyed praising God through song and passing out communion. The
members of this church always made him feel welcomed and loved.
James was a great provider and protector and was content being at home spending time with his wife
and truly enjoyed being a father. His daughters will always remember James’ silly dances, jokes and
playfulness. They have great memories such as playing in the swimming pool, watching wrestling and
practicing wrestling moves with him. James relished his time spent with his grandson Derek Johnson. As
a child Derek was often by his Papaw’s side feeding livestock, hunting and fishing.
After retiring as a sheet metal worker, James spent his days having fun with his great grandkids, Natalia
Grace, Logan and Annabeth Johnson, which included tea parties, playing barbie dolls, rock painting,
mini-indoor basketball and working together in the yard. James cherished his time with them and his
face lit up whenever he spoke of them.
Over the years James enjoyed many hobbies including playing guitar, bowling in the Navy and took pride
in his garden, landscaping and woodworking. He was talented at fixing almost anything.
He was a kid at heart and loved celebrating holidays with his family. Including playing horseshoes, and
volleyball on Independence Day, hiding easter eggs, and handing out candy at Halloween. But his
favorite was playing Santa Claus at Christmas and giving presents to the kids which he did for three
generations. James is survived by his wife, two daughters, one grandson, three great grandchildren, five siblings,
Charles Brown, Margaret Blanton, Jackie Bull, Tricia Carter, Brenda Brooks and numerous other relatives
and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, Junior Brown, David Brown,
Janet Fletcher, one niece Tessi Gilmer, and one grandson, Jacob McMurtrey.
James’ family was always his greatest priority. James often showed his love in practical ways—through
presence, sacrifice, and reliability. He never sought praise or recognition. He simply believed in doing
what was right and helping where he could. Though James is gone from our sight, he remains present in
our memories and hearts. James will be deeply missed but forever remembered. The family extends
heartfelt thanks to all who supported them with love and prayers.
2 Corinthians 5:8:
“Absent from the body… present with the Lord”
