James Rudolph Brown, age 83, died peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2020 in Crete, Nebraska. He was born on April 20, 1937 in Monroe, Nebraska to CK & Bertha (Gerber) Brown. Jim graduated from Paxton High School in 1955. He married Emajo Kathryn Brown on February 24, 1956. Jim was a member of the U.S. Army and shortly after their wedding was stationed in Germany for two years.
Jim and Jo lived in Springdale, Arizona; Paxton, Nebraska; Ogallala, Nebraska; and Hershey, Nebraska; eventually retiring in Mesa, Arizona in 1996. Jim served on the Hershey Fire Department for 21 years and was a Lions Club member for 21 years. He worked at Hershey Propane, Natural Gas Distributing and KN Energy Companies for 31 years. Jim was very proud of his service in the U.S. Army and proudly wore his Army Veterans hat wherever he went.
He had a love for "unique" cars, Cornhusker Football, and the Denver Broncos, but most importantly, his family. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Together with his wife, Jo, they made sure all of their children and grandchildren had the opportunity to attend college.
Jim had an artistic gift, and loved making one-of-a-kind items. Many family members and friends are the recipients of his rock tables, crosses and clocks, as well as his diamond willow walking sticks and lamps.
Jim was a very humble and kind soul. He was loved deeply by his family. We will miss him every day, and are so thankful and blessed for the years of memories we have to cherish.
Jim is survived by his children: son and daughter-in-law Jim & Tami Brown of Salina, Kansas, son and daughter-in-law Jerry & Terri Brown of Crete, Nebraska, daughter and son-in-law Joni and Ron Hohl of Loveland, Colorado; seven grandchildren: Josh (Abby) Brown, Zach (Bridget) Brown (Jim & Tami); Loni (Aaron) Burd, Olivia (Neil) Hasenauer, Mitchell Brown and Max Brown (Jerry & Terri); and Alex Hohl (Joni & Ron); eight great-grandchildren: Cade & Evie (Josh & Abby); Piper, Daley, and Baylor (Zach & Bridget); Dominic (Loni & Aaron); Lillian & Damian (Olivia & Neil).
He is preceded in death by his wife Emajo, to whom he was married for 55 years; his parents, CK & Bertha; a brother, Clarence; a sister, Roberta; and one granddaughter, Amanda Kathryn Hohl.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in care of the family to be distributed to Tabitha in Crete-The Gardens and the American Heart Association.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, Nebraska.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Walker Road Church of Christ in North Platte, Nebraska.