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Jim Brothers Obituary
Jim Brothers died Tuesday at his home in Lawrence. A funeral director at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence says Brothers had been receiving hospice care.
Gallery owner Paul Dorrell says Brothers is best known for two projects; he created a sculpture of Dwight Eisenhower that's on display at the Capitol in Washington and was the chief sculptor for the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va.
Dorrell says he was immediately drawn to the "raw power" of the artist's work.
Friend Alan Webster says Brothers never stopped creating and was directing his assistants on how to finish his last sculpture from his sick bed.
HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH,Associated Press
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
46 Entries
April 20, 2017
I grew up across the street from Jim on Oak street In Eureka Kansas. We had a lot of good times growing up in our neighborhood. We moved to Texas in 1961 and I didn't get to see him again for quite some time. Reunited at a all classes reunion in Eureka about seven of eight years ago. Listened to him and his band part at the reunion. Great concert. Really going to miss visiting with him.
Wesley Thompson, Alvin Texas
Valenda Newell
November 7, 2016
IT'S SO HARD TO FORGET SOMEONE WHO GAVE US SO MUCH TO REMEMBER...RIH
Steve Goldsberry
November 14, 2015
I too had Mr. Brothers as my art teacher at Emporia High. We all thought of him as hip. I'll never forget his purple metal flake corvette! Steve Goldsberry
Ralph Bauman
September 8, 2013
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Loved his work, especially that done for the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.
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Rosalea Hostetler
September 8, 2013
What memories we shared from the time Jim first visited Rosalea's Hotel in Harper in the early 70s and bought that vintage black 1890s suit...it ft him to a "t'!
shirley ames(eungard)
August 27, 2013
I had mr. brothers as my art teacher at emporia high school. always remembered him fondly. a group of us would frequently have lunch with him in the art room. such a kind man.
Carl Westphal
August 27, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Jim for two years ('70-'72) in Kansas City with Wyandotte county social services. He clearly thought for himself and did not respect boundaries that limited others; I came to have great respect for him. I occasionally over the years would stop and see him in Lawrence to "catch up" and was very pleased at the acceptance that his art had achieved. He was a genial, humble, funny, and brilliant man. I shall miss our visits. Peace be with you.
B. Gardner
August 26, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who is binding up the brokenhearted and comforting those mourning be of comfort to you during this most difficult time. (Isa. 61:1, 2)
August 26, 2013
Please accept my condolences. May the family's faith in God strengthen you during this difficult time.
August 26, 2013
May God Bless you and your family Jim was a great artist I enjoyed his work, the field's and just everything he made.
Bert Monroe
August 25, 2013
We'll miss you, Jim. I'll miss your washboard playing and our conversations. I watched you work on your sculptures over the decades and am amazed at the volume of inspiring work that you have left for us. Thank you, friend.
Ellary Blair
August 24, 2013
You were an inspiration to us all at Emporia High School. You will live in our memories. May you RIP.
Gretchen Wortman
August 23, 2013
Eddie and Kathy:
I am so sorry for your loss.
With much love,
Gretty
Susan Hoefer
August 23, 2013
Blessings to you, Jim, and to your family. May you rest in peace and comfort....It was wonderful meeting you and caring for you while you were in the hospital. You never complained. Always had a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
August 23, 2013
During my entire career, I have only interviewed two individuals where I lost track of time and turned a one hour interview into five hours. Jim was one of them. He was interesting on so many levels ... a true Renaissance man, genuinely nice and blessed with a great sense of humor. The National D-Day Monument is a tribute to Jim's vision and skill as an artist. It will be appreciated by generations yet unborn. Ray and I extend our deepest sympathy to his family.
Marsha Henry Goff
Bill and Theresa Boyd
August 23, 2013
I have known Jim since I was a kid when Jim lived in a old 2 story house off Queens Rd. owned by Jim Wiggins. I remember the Elk head and antlers, if my memory serves me, he did while practicing taxidermy. It was so big, he left it behind when they moved, because it wouldn't come out without damaging the house. My wife and I are both Vets, and when he was at the train depot, just before going on tour with the statues going to Bedford, He took special time and care in talking with my wife at length when she met him, after he found out she was a vet, and she cried telling him what wonderful work he had done. His art and presence made a lasting impression on my wife, and I. The care, passion, and the commitment to detail that Jim put in his work, is unmatched. THE WORLD HAS LOST ONE OF THE GREATS with Jim's passing. God has smiled down on this earth threw Jim and his art. Jim will live on forever threw his gift. Not many can say that. Heaven has shined down on this earth threw Jim. His art brought you to those moments in time, and brought tears to my wife's eyes.
Our hat's off to the great one and hope to we hope to see you in heaven one day, because that is surely where you are. Sincerely, Bill and Theresa Boyd
August 23, 2013
Obedient humans will soon receive the full benefit of Jesus' ransom sacrifice.
This will occur under the rule of the Kingdom for which the upright have long prayed, saying:
“Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come.
Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:9, 10)
~Celena Simmons~
Kathi Firns-Hubert
August 23, 2013
I'll miss your wonderful spirit and the fun, music and art you added to this world.
Jim Sneegsa
August 23, 2013
I never looked at Jim as being that world famous sculpture. Jim was a home boy and just all around good guy. He shared my love for vintage motorcycles and was an important part of our annual Vintage Motorcycle Show every Feb. at the fairgrounds. On behalf of the Santa Fe Trail Vintage Motorcycle Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America we offer our deepest heart felt condolences to Kathy and family and friends. Jim was "One of a Kind". Gods Speed Brother!...........
Carolee Hazlet
August 23, 2013
We are very saddened to hear of Jim's death. He was a very special and talented man. He did our General Bradley Memorial here so I got to know and love him. I will miss him more than I can say. My heart and prayers are with Cathy and Jim's family.
Shane Brungardt
August 23, 2013
Jim, I feel blessed to have met you and always enjoyed stopping to see what you were working on. You will be missed.
Honor Veterans `Be kind to Others@V-V
Victoria&Andrew *:*
August 23, 2013
OUR CONDOLENCES TO JIM BROTHERS
AN HIS FAMILY&FRIENDS..
IN HONOR TO A VETERAN WITH
A INSPIRATION `TALENT OF ART
Ed Alvis
August 23, 2013
Jim was a great friend of our family and will be sorely missed. My two daughters especially will miss those evenings around the campfire, picking and singing. Jim was special!
August 23, 2013
MY BEST FRIEND,BROTHER,NEIGHBOR AND RIDING PARTNER YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MORE PEOPLE THEN YOU KNOW. I KNOW YOU ARE THERE SEE YOU IN THE WIND.
LOVE YOU BUCKO....TED
Kathleen Broulidakis-Kenepp
August 23, 2013
Truly a very talented and loving human being. There should be more people like this in our world. Thank you,Jim; you will not be forgotten.I hope your team erects a statue in YOUR honor, next.
August 23, 2013
Jim you will be greatly missed. I will leave a frappe and the remote out for you. You have been a wonderful, insightful and fun to be around neighbor and friend. With all my Love Rosie
JOYCE HAZEL
August 23, 2013
HAD NO IDEA JIM WAS SO ILL. I WOULD HAVE BEEN TO SEE HIM. I WILL PRAY FOR THE FAMILY
JOYCE HAZEL YANKTON, SD
August 23, 2013
Jim and I had a brief passing when he erected his sculpture, "Last Flight" in a cemetery in Denison, TX, then we had lunch. He was a very talented man.
Toni Hargis
August 22, 2013
I went to the D-Day Memorial for the first time this summer. There was no text that accompanied the Jim's sculptures and it certainly was not needed. His work spoke volumes! I have never been so moved. The heart of the man showed through his work. He will not be forgotten by us nor will those who sacrificed so much for us.
Erin Shirley
August 22, 2013
I used to work with Jim when I was employed at Roy's Gallery in Lawrence. What a nice person, always took the time to talk to me when he was in there. Such a talented guy.
Vernon Brejcha
August 22, 2013
I watched my friend Jim work on the D-Day sculptures. His eye for realistic 3D detail and likeness of the human form was beyond amazing. The world has lost a truly talented artist.
Tom Watson
August 22, 2013
Your work will leave only a part of your legacy. Your music and passion for life the rest. Always enjoyed your company. Thank you.
rob camp fuoco
August 21, 2013
dear jim brothers, i can't believe you too have passed. god bless your beautiful artistic soul. you were a fine and honorable man. i was blessed to know you briefly and have you stay with me a while, as your connecticut scupture of mark twain was dedicated and installed. bless you dear jim, see you in a while upstairs i hope.
David Hyde
August 21, 2013
I have seen his work at the D-Day Memorial, and it was some fantastic work ! May you rest in peace.
Cheryl Landin
August 21, 2013
RIP. Enjoy your paradise.
May God be with your family.
Scott Chamberland
August 21, 2013
Rest in Peace
August 21, 2013
May the family members of Jim Brothers be comforted by our Heavenly Father's promise at Isaiah 65:17,22-24.
michelle plakas-kaiser
August 21, 2013
rip
August 21, 2013
My condolences go to the family of Jim Brothers. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. May the God of Comfort sustain you during this difficult time.
(Philippians 4:6,7)
G. Freeman
August 21, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 21, 2013
May you find comfort in the happy memories of your loved one until you are reunited
cindy and larry wendt
August 21, 2013
we will always remember Jim on our anv. as he married us in 1998. he will be missed dearly lots of years of fun memories. cindy and lefty
Jim Swanson
August 21, 2013
I met Jim at the D-Day Memorial we talked for a long time. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.
Our condolences to your entire family@Vicky&Andy
August 21, 2013
rest well in memory of JimBrothers rip@V-V
August 21, 2013
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