James Robert “Jim” Brown, 92, was a patient at Sanford Hospital, Fargo, N.D., when he left his worn-out earthly body Thursday, February 20, to continue life with his precious Lord and Savior, Jesus.
A celebration of Jim’s life took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Lincoln Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Don Reigstad officiating. Jim had been blessed to be a staff member at Lincoln Church since 2001. After a very short retirement, he was thrilled to be invited to serve as an associate at the church where he and Irene had membership.
Jim was born November 15, 1932, to Victor and Mathilda Brown in Annandale. Jim graduated from Annandale High School in 1950, from Trinity College, Chicago, in 1956 and from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1961.
On August 23, 1957, Jim was married at Monticello, Minn., to Irene Olson.
From 1961 to 1971 the Browns served Faith Free Church in Spirit Lake, Iowa. During those years Jim and Irene became the parents of Todd, Scott and Gregg. Jim loved being a dad!
From 1971 to 1999 the Browns lived in Rose City where Jim pastored the Free Church. In 1974 the Leslie Community Church was added to his ministerial duties. Living in Rose City, being a part of rural life and a part of Parkers Prairie school life, and a part of a very active ministerial were all enjoyed by Jim and his family. Being able to hunt and fish, two of Jim’s very favorite ways to relax, brought him great pleasure.
Wherever Jim served, it was important for him to have a Children’s Sermon.
His “Brown Bag” messages became a regular part of worship during Rose City days. When returning to Rose City for funerals, those kids, now adults, would look to see if the “Brown Bag” had come along. Yes, it usually came!
One Sunday as he was greeting folks after the morning service at Rose City, a young man and his wife, who were headed East to serve their first congregation, asked Pastor Jim for a piece of advice. It was simply, “Love your people,” which Jim did well no matter when and where he was serving.
Jim was preceded in death by his brother Roy (Vernis), sister June Mattila (Reuben) and brother-in-law Harry Johnson, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene; three sons, Todd (Pat) of Becker, Scott (Deb) of Maple Grove and Gregg (Katrina) of Becker, Minn.; grandchildren, Denver (Sarah) Brown, Molly (Charlie) Moore, Gavin (Ana) Brown, Dawson (Aly) Brown, Ayla, Sawyer and Tess Brown; great grandchildren, Elle, Clara, Jed, Hannah, Rowan, Mabel, Merrick, Noble, Calahan, Shea Rose and Jones; 15 nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews; special friends, Kerwin Rosenquist and Robin Houde.
Burial was at Scandia Valley Cemetery with the grandchildren as Jim’s pallbearers.
Arrangements were by the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples, Minn.