James B. Brown
July 16, 1946 – June 16, 2023
Born in the old St. Peter’s Hospital on Logan Street in Helena to William A. and Margaret M. Brown, Jim joined sister Cordelia (Cordie) and William (Bill) to complete the family unit. Growing up on the upper west side in the Henry Sieben house provided Jim with an idyllic young life of fun and adventure. In the summer, brother Bill and Jim would pack a lunch, grab their BB guns and head for Mt. Helena. In the evenings, there were neighborhood games of Hide and Seek and Kick the Can, apple tree and garden raids and neighborhood badminton tournaments. Winter days were spent on steel-runner sleds, sliding down alleys and streets for blocks and neighborhood snowball fights that ranged around the west side.
Jim attended Hawthorne, Helena Junior High and Helena High schools, graduating in 1964. At Helena High, he was on the Speech team and served as the student trainer for the football, basketball and track teams. He matriculated to Montana State College (which soon became Montana State University) and majored in Architecture. Upon graduation in 1969, he joined the firm of Morrison-Maierle & Associates, and enlisted in the 396th Station Hospital Army Reserve unit based in Helena.
Morrison-Maierle & Associates morphed into Crossman-Whitney-Griffin, P.C. in the 1970’s and moved into the T.C. Power mansion carriage house across the street from Jim’s boyhood home in 1981. Jim’s body of work as an architect included several U.S. West buildings around Montana, 1981 remodel of the Montana Capitol, AAA buildings in Helena, Bozeman, Gt. Falls and Missoula, the “Cube” at Carroll College, additions to Helena Middle and Capital High Schools, and many convenience stores and casinos for the Town Pump Corporations around Montana. One of the more unique projects Jim was proud to be a part of was the investigation, documentation and development of rehabilitation plans for the damages to all the Carroll College buildings from the infamous train explosion in 1989.
Jim was blessed with a lifelong partner, friend and wife, Laura Greiner when they were wed in 1976. They, in turn, were blessed with children Heather Marie and Bradford (Brad) James.
Ever thankful for the support of the Helena community in his youth and professional career, Jim believed in giving back. He joined the Helena Jaycees and served as President and then moved up to State Secretary and was honored to be named a JCI Senator. He then joined the Helena Lions, also serving as President, Sunshine Camp administrator and PlusOptix coordinator for scanning students’ eyes in the area elementary schools. The Lions honored Jim’s service with a Melvin Jones fellowship. When Brad was in Cub Scouts, Jim served as Cub Master for pack 228. After retirement, he and his wife volunteered at the Montana Talking Book Library for the Blind, repairing the machines and reading, on tape, local books for distribution to the clients. With a firm faith in God’s control of his life, Jim was a life-long member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral and served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Senior Warden, church architect and general handy-man and boiler operator.
Jim is survived by his “bride”, Laura, daughter Heather, son Brad (Allison) and four grandchildren; Quincey, Kenley, Landon and Leighton. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, and brother.
Jim truly loved Helena and Montana and believed that this was “God’s Country”. The only place better, is with his Heavenly Father.
Donations in Jim’s honor can be made to the Helena Lion’s Club, PO Box 1077, Helena, MT 59624-1077 or to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Capital Campaign, PO Box 819, Helena, MT 59624
Services for Jim will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral on Friday, June 23rd at 3:00 pm. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Memorial Garden and Columbarium following the service. The family will then be gathering at the Delta Hotel for a Reception from 5:00-8:00 PM, located at 2301 Colonial Dr, Helena.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 PM
Friday June 23, 2023
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena,
Inurnment
Following the Service
Friday June 23, 2023
St. Peter's Memorial Garden and Columbarium
,
Reception
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday June 23, 2023
The Delta Hotel
2301 Colonial Drive
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 PM
Friday June 23, 2023
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena,
Inurnment
Following the Service
Friday June 23, 2023
St. Peter's Memorial Garden and Columbarium
,
Reception
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday June 23, 2023
The Delta Hotel
2301 Colonial Drive
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Curt Dallas says
Jim was always fun to be around. Many memories of traveling around NW Montana to work football games. He will be missed by many.
Melissa and Jeff Sherlock says
Sad to hear this. Jim’s office was right across the street from our house. We would often see him and he would happily tell us of the history of our house, and all the trees and bushes in sight. For the last few years I would see Jim and his bride walking their corgi on La Grand Cannon Blvd. Always a happy and delightful fellow, he will be missed. Peace to his family.
Audrey and Tim Kelly says
Laura, Heather, and Brad: Our deepest condolences to all of you during this sad time. Jim was always so friendly when we ran into him and Laura out and about. He was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the love and support of family and friends.
Tim Moore says
Laura and family.
I am so worry to hear about Jim’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him about whatever topics would come up. He always had a smile. Helena will miss his presence.
God be with all of you during this time.
Tom Naegele says
Laura, Heather, Brad & Many Friend’s of Jim,
So saddened to read of our loss of Jim. Jim and I knew each other from a long association with family,in Lions, my Brother John as a classmate of Jim’s and professional time thru business. A REAL Gentleman who lived a purpose driven life and so thoughtful of others. Then sorrow in our loss will be in supporting Laura, Heather, Brad and each other. God Bless and R.I.P. good friend till we meet again.
Dwight & Jane Bernard says
Laura and family.
Jane and I were saddened to hear of your loss. We usually bumped into the two of you often at the Early Bird during breakfast. Jim was such a wonderful man and we will miss him dearly. Your family, the church and Helena will not quite be the same. I to grew up in Helena’s west side, except during the 60’s. Our neighborhood and the fun we had mirrored that of Jim as a youngster. Such wonderful times of innocence. Please hold all these memories close to your heart. May the Lord’s hand be upon you Laura, Heather, Brad and all your children.
Londa Burns says
Laura, Heather and Brad,
I am so very sorry about Jim. I know he will be be missed by family, neighbors and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Londa
Jan Ryckman says
Laura and family – my heart is so heavy to learn of your loss of Jim. He was one of a kind and so great to keep in touch with through HHS reunions and seeing the two of you at community functions. He will be missed by so many. Prayers and love to you all.
Traci Swingley says
If words could make wishes come true, I would speak easily of Jim’s impact to all of us lucky enough to encounter his genuine positivity and wish him into immortality. To Heather, I surrender a million hugs as she was tasked with my spontaneous reaction to the news she had to share about HER dad. Clearly, his impact is exponential in reach as his loss reverberates. To Laura, Heather and Brad as well as Jim’s grandchildren, thank you for sharing your husband, father and grandfather with the rest of us. His space between the dashes reminds us the true meaning of Carpe Diem, for he did with raw and natural enthusiasm that was wonderfully contagious. Thank you Jim for gracing me with feeling important enough to pause and invest your time and remember the details. I will not take for granted what I learned.
Julie Krutzfeldt says
Jim was a special person and a wonderful classmate! He will certainly be missed by all of us. My sincere sympathy to you all.
Terry and Cheryl Fowler says
Laura, Heather and Brad,
We are so sorry to learn about Jim’s passing. It has left us both in shock and with heavy hearts. We have fond memories of our time on Anderson St. in Sun Haven and the crazy 40th birthday celebrations we orchestrated. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts and prayers are with your families. He will be missed by many.
LeeAnn Berry says
I can’t imagine attending Lion’s Club events without Jim! I have such fond memories of Jim coming into my classroom for many years to check the vision of each student . Helena will not be the same without his generous , giving, faith filled spirit. Peace, love, and prayers to you Laura and to your family!!
Jeff & Bobb Hoffer says
We are so lucky to have had Jim as a friend. He made he the world a better place and will be missed.
Our prayers go out to Laura, Heather, Brad and family.
Mary Kay Bennett says
I’m so sorry!
I remember attending Episcopal services with George and invariably we would sit behind Jim or at least close by.
Anyone from the church that knew him, would know that was quite an experience. He enjoyed his singing just like he enjoyed the rest of his life.
I’ll miss him.
Lorretta Lynde says
Bob and I always enjoyed Jim. His exuberance and knowledge were a part of Helena, and it was fun to talk with him and you, Laura, whenever we saw you. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Diane Gunderson says
Laura,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. It was so much fun working with you and Jim at the talking book library. You were both quite the volunteer pair. Rest in peace, Jim.
Debbie Holland says
Laura, Heather, Brad and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. We will miss bumping into him on the LeGrande walking path and solving Helena and world problems. He was truly a dear man and always ready to lend a helping hand. He left an imprint in the community and will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
The Hollands
Tesh and Paul Woods says
Laura, both you and Jim made such an impact on Paul and I. We were blessed to meet you and you and Jim made our days better when you walked into the cafe. Jim honored us by saying yes when we asked him to renew our vows for us, and we will be forever touched by this. His smile and laughter, his advice and wisdom, and his words of encouragement will be in our hearts forever. Paul and I offer our condolences to Laura, family and friends. His impact on this earth will never be forgotten and will be forever missed.
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Helena has lost one of its very best! Thank you Jim for your friendship, support and kindness. Our sincere sympathy to the entire Brown family for the loss of their leader. Please know you’re in our hearts and prayers.
Jan Silberling says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I cried. I knew he and Laura from St. Peter’s. There is no couple I have greater respect for than the two of them. They set an example of how marriage should be, and how family should be. Since the news reached my ears, I have prayed continually for this family, that God’s Holy Spirit surround them, comfort them, and heal them. I love them.
Tina Wilson says
Laura and family – a shock to hear about James and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Jim was a bright light in this world and will be missed and will look down on his family to keep an eye on all of you.
Glen J Cuchine says
Brown Family–Jim will always be remembered by so many; none more so than his classmates in the HHS Class of ’64. RIP, Jim and thanks for all you did.
Ian and Bonnie Steel says
Many great memories of Jim through Lions Club. He will be greatly missed.
Julie Massaro says
Heather (and family)
My sincere condolences and love to you!
Nancy and Dennis Peterson says
There are people who make a profound impact on our lives and often is by doing the simplest of things. Jim was one of those people. For Dennis and I, our mornings will never be the same. For a decade… or very nearly 2, each morning on our way out the door, Jim and often Laura’s timing was perfection. As we were heading off to school from across the lilac hedge a warm wonderful greeting from Jim would call out. “Morning Nancy, morning Dennis”. And so would begin our daily chat about our kids, his grandkids, the state of education in Montana, plans for the summer or next weekend or next vacation. It was THEE best way to start our day and we will profoundly miss him. Our deepest condolences.
Doug and Cathy Shenkle says
Deepest condolences to the entire family. We have fond memories going back many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim was a member of the “Retired Rough Riders” (the young guys) ATV riding group which rides on Thursdays. For may years Jim worked hard not to schedule anything to conflict with riding. He commented almost every ride how lucky he was to live in beautiful Helena and the tremendously wonderful places we have to ride. He knew God had a part in his being so fortunate. On Thursday June 22 we are doing a memorial ride to one of Jim’s favored areas. The WMA Beartooth game range. He was looking forward to riding this week. We will miss him deeply, but know his spirt will be with us.
Sara Medley says
Jim’s countenance and service to so many will be remembered and treasured always. His cheerful Sunday AM service greeting always brightened my day – heck my whole week. Always upbeat and encouraging and full of the ‘love of life’, the loss to our community is huge. Laura and family, my deepest condolences.
Linda Grady says
To the family of Jim, his personal family and Lion’s family, I am heartsick hearing of Jim’s passing. Loved the man and his sense of humor. Such a loss for everyone. I’ll miss him at the fair cooking burgers. I might have to step up and take his place this year. My blessings to Laura, Heather and Brad and the grandkids. He loved his family.
Shane Shaw says
Although the obituary doesn’t mention it, Jim also reffed football for a number of years…he told me he was sitting in the stands complaining about the refs when someone suggested he get out there…so he did. I got to ref with Jim all over western Montana. Once we were reffing in Highwood and there was a fumble. The kids all piled up trying to recover the ball. Jim blew the whistle, and I asked him what he had. He said he had a fumble recovery. Somehow the ball had come out of the pile and was laying on the field at my feet behind the pile and no one had it. I asked him what was laying at my feet since he had ruled that the ball had been recovered. He swore someone put another ball on the field. We laughed and laughed. Here’s to the memories of a really good guy. Shane Shaw – Helena Football Officials
Barbara A Baum says
Sorru to hearing of Jim’s passing He will be missed my so many people My thoughs and prayers are with you all.
Bill & Teresa Schulz says
We will miss seeing Jim at the Early Bird on weekends. He was always upbeat and had a greeting for everyone. We really enjoyed our conversation with him & Lsura. Our prayers for all the family.
Tom Erving says
Laura and Heather, I am so sorry, Jim was the best guy ever, we go back to the Jaycee days. going to miss him at the Carroll football games. Tom
Annette Baird says
I’m so sorry to see this. Jim & Laura were awesome neighbors in Sunhaven. My condolences to the family. Sending warm thoughts to your family. Annette & Dana Baird
Deena and Skip Verworn says
Laura,Heather, Brad and Family, we were so very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was always such a pleasant man to chat with. You all have our deepest sympathy during you loss. Deena and Skip
Irene Reynolds says
Sorry to read of Jim’s passing. Our family lived across the street on Harrison Ave. I remember Jim as a nice neighbor. He certainly did a lot for Helena. My condolences to his family.
Barbara Lasko Hopper says
It was a shock to hear of Jim’s passing. Another classmate gone but not forgotten. For some reason I remember sitting behind Jim in Mr. DeKam’s geometry class…he “got” geometry and I did not! He was a just a nice guy…It was always good to see him at the HHS Class of 1964 reunions. His service to the Helena community and to his church and family are to be admired. From the many remembrances here he made a positive impact on many people in so many ways and will be greatly missed. RIP Jim.
Valerie Teakles Jensen says
Jim was such a kind and lovely man. I will remember him always with with much fondness. May God Bless his family and bring them comfort and peace.
Bob Den Herder says
So sorry I be been out of communication for the last month from the passing of Luke What a shock Jim is what Helena is all about ! Giving and then Giving again he will be missed. 🙏❤️
Ted Polette says
My sympathy goes out to Jim’s family. I hadn’t heard of this sad news until I just read Jim’s obituary. I always looked forward to “chewing the fat” with Jim when I would service the CWG sprinkler system in the Fall and Spring times. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face and genuinely wanted to know how I was doing. I’m certain my daughter Jackie met him at the gates of Heaven to show him aroung. Jim has left a hole in the fabric of the Helena community and his shoes are unfillable. Where there is sadness, love plants a garden. May Jim’s garden forever bloom!