James J. Brown (1941-2022)

James J. Brown, better known to his friends as "Brownie," died peacefully in his sleep on June 6 ^th .  Jim was born on July 12, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, to Godfrey and Johanna Brown.  Born into a life of poverty, he was determined to make his life better thus leading him to join the United States Marine Corps at the age of eighteen.  He proudly served from 1958 through 1970 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, including a thirteen-month tour of duty in Vietnam during 1966 and 1967.  While in Vietnam, he was a commander in the 3 ^rd platoon, Lima Company, 3 ^rd battalion, 4 ^th Marines, 3 ^rd Marine Division.  He cared for and loved the Marines he commanded and those under his command respected him immensely. His platoon was involved in many significant battles as part of Operation Hastings.  Upon his return from Vietnam, Jim served as a Drill Instructor at MCRD San Diego from 1969-1970.

Upon his discharge from the military, Jim worked as a bartender and bar manager in many hotels in the Mission Valley area of San Diego.  In 1976, Jim opened "Brownie's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge" in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego.  A popular meeting spot, the business thrived until it was destroyed by fire in 1986.  After the destruction of his business, Jim returned to MCRD as a civil servant, issuing equipment to the Marine recruits.  Jim was a charter member of the United States Marine Corps Drill Instructor Association, and he continued his relationships with the fellow Marines he fought with through various reunions through the Country.

Upon retirement in 2003, Jim retired to Yuma, Arizona to focus on a passion in his life - the game of golf.  He was a member of the Yuma Country Club, and consistent with his humble beginnings, was a favorite of the employees of the Club, including the workers in the cart barn, with whom he developed great friendships.  Jim returned to San Diego in 2018 due to illness and lived his final years at the Remington Club Assisted Living in Rancho Bernardo.

Jim is survived by his two children, James (Renee), of Poway, California, and Tamara (David), of Portland, Oregon.  He also remained close to his ex-wife, Trula, of Poway, California.  Jim was also survived by five grandchildren, who he was very proud of - Ryan, Torre, Aidan, Madison and Alana.

His family would like to thank his doctors and nurses at Scripps, and all the staff at the Remington Club for their care and compassion over the last three years.

Jim will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery, with full military honors, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or Shelter to Soldier (sheltertosoldier.org).