Brown, James Leonard

With great pride for the man he was, but also with great sadness, we announce the passing of James Leonard Brown on November 7, 2022 in Nelson, BC at the incredible age of 95.

A loving husband, a kind and gentle father and grandfather, James (Jim) was also a classy English gentleman. He was very distinguished, a snappy dresser with a sweet kind spirit. He was a faithful servant of God.

Jim was born in London, England in 1927 to William and Jessie Brown. He was the middle child of three boys, older brother Edward (Eddie) and younger brother William (Billy).

After serving in WW2 in England, Jim moved to Canada in 1952. He married Gwendoline Mae Perry (now Brown) in 1965 and they had one child, Beverly Alixandra Gail Brown.

Jim had a long career in sales and worked many years after retirement as a commissionaire.

Music and singing were a very important part of Jim’s life. This love of music started when he sang in a boys’ choir as a child with his brothers. He sang in church choirs for many decades. He also sang in a barbershop chorus. In his last years at Jubilee Manor he sang duets with his wife when she came to visit.

Jim loved books and learning. He sought out the library and local college in every community he lived in. This continued well into his late senior years when he took the bus up to Selkirk College to take computer courses.

His true passion, however, was helping people in need and ministering to people in his community. The last church Jim attended was the Salvation Army in Nelson, BC. He was known to stop in to chat up the drop-in clientele and up until the last Christmas before going into a care home, Jim manned the Salvation Army Christmas kettles.

Jim ended up in Nelson, BC in 2014 when he and his wife moved here to be closer to their daughter and granddaughters. After a series of falls in 2018, Jim moved to Jubilee Manor in Nelson, BC.

Jim is survived by his wife, Gwen Brown, of almost 57 years, his daughter, Alix Brown, granddaughters, Jessica Brown and Emile Brown and nephews, Keith Brown and David Brown. He is also survived by many of his Perry family relatives through his marriage that he considered family.

He is predeceased by his parents William Brown and Jessie Brown and brothers Eddie Brown and Billy Brown.

A private memorial service was held in Jim’s honour on November 12, 2022 at the Salvation Army church in Nelson, BC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Fund in James’ honour.

The family wish to thank the Salvation Army, the staff at Jubilee Manor and the many friends and family for their kindness and support to Jim and now to his family during this difficult time.

“Remembrance is a golden chain

Death tries to break, but all in vain

To have, to love, and then to part

Is the greatest sorrow of one’s heart

The years may wipe out never

The memory of those happy days

When we were all together”

Farewell to a Fine English Gent!