Obituary for James Michael Brown
James Michael Brown, 79, of Essex, passed away peacefully following a short illness surrounded by his loving family and leaving Eleanor, the love of his life, with one last bright smile and wave on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.
He was born on May 27, 1943 son of the late John and Mildred (Chowaniec) Brown in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was proud to have served his country with his service in the U.S. Navy. He married his high school sweetheart Eleanor on October 3, 1964 and together they spent 59 wonderful years together. After serving in the US Navy, he moved his young family to Poughkeepsie, NY to work at IBM in Fishkill, NY as an Electrical Engineer earning his Bachelor’s Degree in 1986 from Marist College.
While his children were young, he was very active coaching CYO basketball and softball for Holy Trinity Parish in Poughkeepsie. He later transferred to IBM in Vermont so he and Eleanor could be closer to their first grandchild. Retiring after 30 years of dedicated employment.
James learned to love Florida with his many travels while employed with IBM, and wanted to eventually move there after his retirement. So, James worked part time at Burlington Airport, so he could travel to Florida! He also worked part time at Enterprise Car rental driving the cars back and forth between rental locations to keep busy.
He looked forward to vacationing with his sister Anne in Brigantine, NJ, where he went crabbing every day. He crabbed the original way with a chicken leg clamped on a string, whether in a row boat or standing in the water and was happy to share his catch of the day with friends and family. He was excited to share his crabbing skill with his children and grandchildren.
He enjoyed his card games with his group of friends, stamp and coin collecting, cooking (holiday dinners especially with all the family around), fishing , bowling, gardening and telling jokes - He kept his sense of humor til the end, retelling all the jokes he told his children when they were young.
James was a very active spectator for his grandchildren’s sports. - They are his pride and joy.
James is survived by his loving wife Eleanor Brown of Essex, three children James Michael “Jaimie” Brown Jr. of Cairo, Egypt, Maureen Brown of Essex Junction and Amy Brown-Cordi and husband John of Vestal, New York, his sister Anne Brown, grandchildren Shannon Day, Regan Day, Killian Day, Ryan Cordi, Nicholas Cordi and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by his brother Daniel Brown.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday February 3, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at A W Rich Funeral Home - Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church with Reverend Charles Ranges, S.S.E. officiating with Military Honors being accorded following the Mass of Christian Burial. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to HCA (Handicap Children Association), 18 Broad Street, Johnson City, NY 13790. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
He was born on May 27, 1943 son of the late John and Mildred (Chowaniec) Brown in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was proud to have served his country with his service in the U.S. Navy. He married his high school sweetheart Eleanor on October 3, 1964 and together they spent 59 wonderful years together. After serving in the US Navy, he moved his young family to Poughkeepsie, NY to work at IBM in Fishkill, NY as an Electrical Engineer earning his Bachelor’s Degree in 1986 from Marist College.
While his children were young, he was very active coaching CYO basketball and softball for Holy Trinity Parish in Poughkeepsie. He later transferred to IBM in Vermont so he and Eleanor could be closer to their first grandchild. Retiring after 30 years of dedicated employment.
James learned to love Florida with his many travels while employed with IBM, and wanted to eventually move there after his retirement. So, James worked part time at Burlington Airport, so he could travel to Florida! He also worked part time at Enterprise Car rental driving the cars back and forth between rental locations to keep busy.
He looked forward to vacationing with his sister Anne in Brigantine, NJ, where he went crabbing every day. He crabbed the original way with a chicken leg clamped on a string, whether in a row boat or standing in the water and was happy to share his catch of the day with friends and family. He was excited to share his crabbing skill with his children and grandchildren.
He enjoyed his card games with his group of friends, stamp and coin collecting, cooking (holiday dinners especially with all the family around), fishing , bowling, gardening and telling jokes - He kept his sense of humor til the end, retelling all the jokes he told his children when they were young.
James was a very active spectator for his grandchildren’s sports. - They are his pride and joy.
James is survived by his loving wife Eleanor Brown of Essex, three children James Michael “Jaimie” Brown Jr. of Cairo, Egypt, Maureen Brown of Essex Junction and Amy Brown-Cordi and husband John of Vestal, New York, his sister Anne Brown, grandchildren Shannon Day, Regan Day, Killian Day, Ryan Cordi, Nicholas Cordi and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by his brother Daniel Brown.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday February 3, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at A W Rich Funeral Home - Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church with Reverend Charles Ranges, S.S.E. officiating with Military Honors being accorded following the Mass of Christian Burial. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to HCA (Handicap Children Association), 18 Broad Street, Johnson City, NY 13790. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.