REMEMBERING MIKE BROWN

James "Mike" Brown of San Diego, California passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bonnie Brown (nee Lancaster); daughters, Brittney Torres, Brianna Brown, Kelly Fiamengo, son-in-law Nick Fiamengo, and grandsons Jack, Jake, Wesley, Axel, and Cole. Mike was preceded in death by his father Jim, his mother Carol, his brother Dan, and his son-in-law Johnny Torres.

Mike was born in April 1947 in Hastings, Nebraska. As a child, he lived in Glassboro, New Jersey. In his teens, his family moved to California (Long Beach/Lakewood). He graduated from Wilson High School and attended Long Beach City College, where he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Tong. Mike was honored to have served his country as a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966-1968, deployed primarily to Vietnam, receiving multiple medals/citations and achieving the rank of Sergeant. After the Marines, Mike enjoyed working at Disneyland on the Jungle Cruise, which suited his outgoing personality.  Even with his recent memory loss, he still remembered his entire script as a pilot of the "Zambezi Mist". Mike moved into a career in liquor sales, then banking and finance, primarily as a senior Sales Manager, which is what brought him to San Diego. In retirement, Mike greatly enjoyed his final position as a golf sales agent for JC Resorts.

Mike loved and cherished his family. He adored his wife and daughters and will always be remembered as supportive, loving, and an original "Dance Dad" who attended every competition and performance that he could, often the only Dad there. As a grandfather, he will be remembered by his precious boys as "Pop-Pop" and was thrilled to finally see some possible little baseball players in the mix.

Mike truly valued the many long-term friendships he developed in high school, college and business. He loved to golf, loved baseball and football and was always up for a good party. Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mike's family invites friends and extended family to celebrate Mike's life on September 21, 2023. A short committal service with military honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego at 10:15am. Seating will be limited, with open standing space under and around the pergola where the service will be held. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of Mike's life and sharing of stories from 11:00am to 3:00pm. (Family members will provide details.)