James E. Brown

James E. "Jim" Brown

A longtime resident of Connersville, Indiana, died on August 23, 2012 in Indianapolis.

Jim was born in Seymour, Indiana on October 26, 1935, the son of Carlos and Gertrude (Higgins) Brown, both of whom preceded him in death. Jim was a leukemia survivor, having been diagnosed in late July 2004, but he ultimately lost his battle with ALS, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim married Frances Louise Carroll of Indianapolis in 1959. She preceded him in death on October 5, 2005. He is survived by four sons, Michael Alan (Tammy) of Indianapolis, David Douglas (Cindy) of Roswell, Georgia, Christopher Paul (Karen) of Peoria, Illinois and Daniel Patrick (Jenny) of Indianapolis, a daughter, Beth Ellen (Kevin) McDougall of Fishers, Indiana, eight grandchildren, two brothers, William of Hagerstown, Indiana and Donald of Naples, Florida, and a sister, B.J. Heubi of Indianapolis. Another brother, Robert of Bartow, Florida, preceded him in death.

Jim graduated from Seymour High School with the Class of 1953 and was a private pilot, having soloed at the age of sixteen; he received his pilot's license at age seventeen - in addition, he was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He attended the United States Air Force Academy, entering in July 1956 with the Class of 1960, the second class to enter the then-new Academy. After resigning from the Air Force Academy midway through his junior year, he graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 1961. He was employed for awhile by Martin Aircraft in Denver, Colorado and then moved to Connersville in March 1962 as an employee of Roots Division, Dresser Industries. He moved from Connersville in Olean, New York with Roots in 1966 and then to Chicago in 1969, also with Roots, returning to Connersville in 1971. He served in various marketing and planning positions with Roots, retiring as Director of Marketing in March 1999. He moved to Indianapolis with his wife in early 2005.

During his residence in Connersville, Jim was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, having served as President of its Board of Education and Parish Council and was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the local Board of Aviation Commissioners from 1984 until 2004 and the Board of The Economic Development Group for several years. He had also been a member of the Eastern Indiana Development District Board and the Connersville Country Club, where he served several terms on the Board, including one as President. Jim was a devoted fan of Purdue University football and basketball and, with his wife, held home season tickets for both sports for many years. He was also a longtime member of the John Purdue Club and a Life Member of The Purdue Alumni Association as well as a member of the Fayette County Association. He was a charter member of the Connersville Flying Club and a longtime blood donor, until his leukemia diagnosis. He enjoyed snow skiing, flying, woodworking and computer activities for many years before and after his retirement. An even more special activity was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Please join the family to celebrate Jim's life at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Connersville for The Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM Saturday, August 25, 2012, followed by a gathering for friends and family immediately following the service. A private visitation will be held before the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in his memory to The Purdue University Foundation, St. Gabriel School Scholarship Fund, Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care or to the donor's favorite charity.

Friends may visit anytime online at millermosterrobbins.com to sign a guest register book, to express their sympathy, to submit a special photo or memory or to view a photo tribute page in honor of Jim.

Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.