Deacon James "Jim" Brown

Age 84 of Clio, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025, at home with his family by his side. Mass of Christian burial will take place 11:00 am, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris; Rev. Fr. Roy Horning officiating with cremation to follow. Jim’s family will be present at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services to receive friends on Friday, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. On Friday evening, family, friends and parish will gather to pray the Rosary at 6:00 pm. On Saturday morning, Jim will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to St. Mary Catholic Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Jim’s tribute page on martinfuneralhome.com.

Jim was born May 13, 1941, in Detroit; he is the son of Mr. & Mrs. John and Margaret (Battin) Brown. Shortly after graduating high school, Jim heeded the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Army on July 28, 1960, in Detroit. During his time in service, Specialist 4th Class, Jim Brown earned his Expert Badge with the M-1, and the M-14, he also earned a Good Conduct Medal with two loops. On July 26, 1963, Jim earned his honorable discharge while stationed at Fort Benning, Columbus, Georgia. Jim married the love of his life, Ola Mae Swafford on April 20, 1963, in Columbus, Georgia. Upon returning to civilian life, Jim would begin working for General Motors as a Metallurgist for over 20-years, retiring in 1983. He was a long-time member of UAW local #599, an American Legion Post, a member of the Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council #4285, and Leon J Satkowiak 4th Degree Assembly #0524, and a long-time Deacon at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. In his free time, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, creating pastel chalk art, writing poetry, collecting coins, Hot Wheels, and stand-up comedy.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Ola; two daughters: Malissa Pendergrass, and Rebecca Achariyakosol; three grandchildren: Nicholas, and Zachary Achariyakosol, and Noah Pendergrass; and many other family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Donald.