James Lehmon Brown

James Lehmon Brown

James L. Brown, a remarkable entrepreneur, community leader, father and grandfather, has died at the age of 80.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1929, Jim combined a creative entrepreneurial intellect with a devotion to helping those whose fortunes faltered. Befitting his Churchillian sense of duty, he suffered a stroke while delivering Meals on Wheels to those who struggle to feed themselves.

Jim spent his summers working on his grandparents' farm in Indiana where his love of the earth grew from the black Indiana soil. He graduated with highest honors from the University of Michigan where he was the Editor in Chief of the Michigan Daily. In 1951, Jim married Judy Sinclair, with whom he maintained a lifelong love affair that grew stronger every year. Together, they served their country with the CIA during the Korean War, Judy in Japan and Jim in Korea. A flame of adventure always burned in Jim, and adventure meant Africa, especially Nigeria, where he nurtured a local solar business.

From 1962 until 1985, Jim was President of the Sinclair Manufacturing Company and affiliated companies. In 1986, he became the founding president of First Solar, now the largest thin film solar power manufacturer in the world. He served on the corporate boards of Toledo Trust Bank, Thermatru, Mather Corporation, and Crafthouse.

A civic leader in multiple communities, Jim offered his wit and judgment on numerous non-profit boards, including the University of Toledo, the Boy Scouts of America of Northwest Ohio, the Northwest Ohio Public Television Corporation, and Saint Vincent's Hospital. After moving to Scottsville, Jim served on the boards of the Charlottesville-University Symphony Orchestra and Westminster Canterbury.

He is best known to those who know him best for his love of family. He would give his shirt to a stranger in need, but he would give his blood for his wife, children and grandchildren. He found his greatest joys in nurturing his gardens, his vegetables and his flowers, and most of all his children.

Jim was predeceased by his son, Kirk; and is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Scott, Kim, Carrie, and Betsy; and his 13 grandchildren, who marvel every day at the goodness of the man they miss.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 19, 2010, at the Farmer's Market Pavilion in Scottsville.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be given to the James L. Brown Fund for the Benefit of Scottsville, or to Meals on Wheels. Send via Judy Brown at The Hermitage Farm, Scottsville VA 24590.

Thacker Brothers Funeral Home in Scottsville is handling the arrangements.

Family and friends may share memories online at www.thackerbrothers.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.