James "Jim" Brown, Jr., passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the age of 88.

Jim was born in Chicago, IL on March 27, 1935, to James T. Brown and Mae Catherine Brown (Kennelly) where he was raised in the Catholic faith.  He grew up with his two sisters, Joan and Judy, in the Chicago area but he moved to San Diego, CA to live as a teenager.  At the age of 17, he enlisted and proudly served in the Air Force as an Airman/Radio Operator and was honorably released from service in September 1956.  Jim was an avid golfer and loved to dance to country/western and disco music.

Jim would later move back to the Chicago area where he started his career in Sales with Sears, Roebuck and Co.   He then transferred with Sears to Chattanooga, TN to be near his sister, Joan, and her family.  Jim later married Vicki Kennedy and they lived in Chattanooga where Staci was born.  Then the family moved to Mobile, AL where Jim transferred again with Sears; and where Wendy was born.  He and Vicki later divorced but remained friends.  Jim would later move back to the Chicago area in the mid 80's.

He moved back to Chattanooga in July of this year because of his decline in health and to be with his two daughters.  Jim was hospitalized earlier this month and passed away under Hospice care at home.  Many thanks to the Hospice of Chattanooga staff and nurses for their special care.

Jim is survived by his two loving daughters, Staci Belcher and Wendy Floyd; his grandsons: Ryan (Kaitlin) Hanks, Tyler Hanks and Collin Floyd; and great-granddaughter, Kynzlie Hanks.  His family also includes his special nieces and nephews: Carol Girardot, John Girardot, Larry (Cindy) Hamilton, Ken (Karen) Hamilton, Lynn (Randy) Blackburn, Barb Ebert, Steven Moran and Emmett Moran.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Judy and Joan; and Joan's husband, Wayne, who was a dear friend and brother-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Graveside services will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.

Arrangements will be announced later.

Please express condolences and share memories with the family on their guestbook.