James E. Brown

James E. Brown, of Mishawaka, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 in Elkhart at the age of 84. He was born on February 13, 1939 in South Bend to the late Ivan G. and Nellie M. (Parcher) Brown.

He was a graduate of Washington High School and remained a lifelong resident of the area. On October 14, 1961 he was united in marriage to Sharon K. Rasmussen. Over the years he did foundry work for Wheelabrater Group and then was an over the road truck driver for R & F Miller Trucking. He was a member of the Mishawaka Eagles. James loved to feed the squirrels and chipmunks peanuts every day from the back door as they would come and climb and knock on it for him to feed them. He and Sharon spent many years traveling the country, visiting places like Hawaii, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg and San Francisco where they enjoyed riding the trolleys though city. He loved his toy poodles, especially his baby, Gabby.

James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon, along with their children, Barbara K. (James) Patterson of Osceola and Roy E. Brown of Mishawaka. He also leaves behind 4 bonus grandchildren and 1 bonus great grandchild. He was preceded in death by sister, Betty Patterson and brother, Ronald Brown.

Funeral Services for James will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023 at Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20 at the funeral home and again on Friday one hour prior to the services. Graveside service and burial will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Posted online on April 14, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

04/14/2023 EJS