James Calvin Brown passed away due to heart failure June 8, 2010, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene. He was 79 years old. Born December 29, 1930, in Seattle, Washington, to Emitt and Sadie (Beito) Brown, Jim lived most of his life in Spirit Lake, Idaho. There he attended school, participated in athletics and graduated in 1950. Jim married Marilyn Dulcie Price on March 3, 1951, and during their happy marriage of nearly 50 years, they raised a family of five children. Marilyn passed away June 6, 2000.

Service to others was the theme of Jim Brown’s life on this earth. During the Korean War he served in the Special Forces Military Police and was awarded two Bronze Service Stars as well as the United Nations and National Defense Service Medals. He served his community through the elected positions of city councilman and mayor of Spirit Lake in addition to his active memberships with the VFW Roy Racy Post No. 1473 and the Spirit Lake Masonic Lodge No. 57. Serving his family as a good provider, Jim was employed as a salesman and a heavy equipment operator. Mr. Brown was a cherished and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Beloved by many, he served as mentor to those with whom he shared a special relationship. He was known for his loyalty, generosity and captivating storytelling.

Without doubt, most will remember Jim for his love of music. A handsome and talented musician, he sang and played his guitar with many bands over the years, charming audiences of all ages. Sharing music with his fiddle playing brother, Sam, brought special joy to Jim. Even when the years presented challenges, he remained faithful to bring his gift of music to others.

Besides making music, Jim enjoyed an active life filled with many adventures. He and Marilyn celebrated the births of their children and grandchildren and proudly followed the events of their lives. Jim looked forward to the camaraderie of hunting season each fall and his hunting buddies held a special place in his heart. He was a skilled outdoorsman, known for his sharp eye and steady hand with a gun.

Mr. Brown is survived by his beloved companion, Barbara Jenkins of Rathdrum, Idaho; a son, James K. Brown of Spirit Lake; daughters and sons-in-law, Bethaney and Rich McCabe of Otis Orchards, Washington; Tina and Tim Coles of Garfield, Washington; Holly Brawner of Spokane, Washington; and Melodee and Scott Riggers of Nezperce, Idaho. Also surviving are his brother, Sam Brown of Tucson, Arizona, 17 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and Barbara’s family. As well, Jim leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn and his sister, Julia Belle (June) Palmer.

Given that service to others was the foundation on which Jim built his life, the family would appreciate memorial contributions made to any charitable organization in his name.

A celebration recognizing Mr. Brown’s contributions to the community will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the fourth of September, in the Spirit Lake Elementary School gymnasium. Loved ones will be invited to share their memories of Jim at one point during the service and a committal service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Family and friends will then gather at the Spirit Lake Masonic Temple and finally adjourn to the city park for music at “Jim’s Jam.”

To all his loved ones, “This is what’s left of Ol’ Sunny Jim Brown.”