Mr. James L. Brown

James Leroy "Jim" Brown, 97, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Nashville, Indiana.
Born on October 3, 1927, in Bartholomew County, the son of Delbert and Ida May (Hedrick) Brown. He graduated from Columbus High School with the class of 1945 before proudly serving his country as a Navy corpsman. His military service remained a meaningful part of his identity throughout his life. In later years, he shared stories of his time in the Navy with students in his grandchildren's classrooms and participated in numerous military funerals to honor fellow veterans.
On July 5, 1950, he married Mary Alice Roberts. They raised their two sons and welcomed their first grandchildren during their nearly 40 years of marriage. After Mary Alice's passing, Jim found love again and married Norma Jeanne Smith in 1992. Together they built a loving home filled with family, laughter, and cherished memories.
Jim began a long career in the grocery industry. He worked first for Kroger and later for Marsh Supermarkets. Jim opened the first Marsh store in Columbus in 1959. Even after retirement, Jim's keen eye for order never left him-he was known for straightening store shelves wherever he went.
Jim was a faithful volunteer with Housing Partnership for many years and was honored to receive the Golden Hoosier Award from Governor Mike Pence-a recognition of his outstanding service to the community. He was a member of St John's Masonic Lodge No. 20 Columbus IN as a 33rd Degree Mason plus a leader of Pack 52 Cub Scouts and in DeMolay.
A man of deep faith, Jim was a longtime member, deacon and elder at First Christian Church of Columbus. He led his Sunday School class for several years and remained an active participant in Bible study groups. His spiritual leadership and unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impression on those around him.
Jim is survived by his sons, James Albert (Pam) Brown of Nashville, Indiana, and John (Katherine) Brown of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Crystal Brown, Megan Brown, Amy Brown, Jake (Meghan) Brown, Kyle Cobb, Kaleb Cobb, Klay Cobb, Karolina Cobb, Katie Cobb, Kameron Brown, Kendall Marie James Brown, William Brown, Martha (Carter) Jones, and Margaret (Ulises) Tovar; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Ida Brown; wives, Mary Alice Brown and Norma Jeanne Brown; brothers, Russell and Joe Brown; sister, Mary Lou Smith; and one great-grandson.
Jim will be remembered not only as a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather but also a devoted family man, veteran and community servant. His legacy lives on through the generations he nurtured and the countless lives he touched through service.
A Masonic memorial service and funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Tuesday, September 16th, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; members of St. John's Lodge and Milo Smith will officiate. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home. Jim will be laid to rest at the Rest Haven Cemetery in Edinburgh. Full military honors will be presented by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Unit and the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Thrive Alliance Inc.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Brown family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.