James C. "Jim" Brown

James C. “Jim” Brown, age 80 years, a resident of Vienna for the past 14 years and a former resident of Herrin, passed away Sunday evening, August 3, 2014, at 7:40 PM at his home. Jim was born March 31, 1934 in Carterville, Illinois. He was the son of Aubrey and Evelyn (Craig) Brown. On March 31, 1962 Jim was united in marriage to Phyllis Ann Daniel in Winchester, Kentucky. Together, Jim & Phyllis had enjoyed over 52 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by: 5 sons – Mike (Rhonda) O’Connell of Louisiana, Steve (Debbie) Brown of Cincinnati, Ohio, Craig Brown of Goreville, Matt (Lori) Brown of Carterville and James (Lisa) Brown also of Carterville; 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; as well as a sister – Delores Edwards of Portage, Indiana. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by: a son – David O’Connell in 1979; an infant grandson – Mitchell Brown; and 2 sisters – Brenda Bundren and Barbara Emery. Jim was a 1952 graduate of Carterville High School. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a former member of the Carterville VFW as well as the Fairfield VFW Posts, where he had served as chaplain. Jim had been employed as an over-the-road truck driver during his working career. Jim was the first driver to transport a 14 foot wide mobile home across the state of Illinois. Later, Jim and Phyllis managed the Crab Orchard Boat and Yacht Club for several years. For the past 20 years, Jim served as a security guard at gate # 5 at the DuQuoin State Fair, a position he loved. Jim and Phyllis were members of the First Baptist Church of Vienna. Jim also served as a volunteer chaplain at the Veterans Administration Medical Center and Heartland Regional Medical Center both in Marion, as well as the Herrin Hospital. Jim was an avid collector and enjoyed fishing. Military rites by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 will be accorded Tuesday evening, August 5, 2014, at 7 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Immediately following the military rites, a funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Ralph Brandon. Interment will be at a later date in the Hillcrest Cemetery at Carterville. Visitation will be conducted Tuesday evening from 5 PM – 7 PM at Bailey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church (Food Pantry Fund), PO Box 727, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

James C. "Jim" Brown

March 31, 1934 - August 3, 2014