James 'Jim' Leroy Brown

James Leroy Brown, Jr. was born on March 24, 1935 at the family home outside Trenton, Nebraska to Kenneth "Mike" and Bernice (Jones) Brown. He attended and graduated from Trenton High School. Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country proudly for 14 years as an aircraft maintenance technician. On Oct. 22, 1953, Jim was united in marriage to Leota May Porter in Palisade, Nebraska. To this union five children were born. Upon Jims honorable discharge from the Air Force, at the rank of technical sergeant, Jim and Leota returned home to Nebraska. Jim worked with Leotas family on the farm outside of Palisade, Nebraska for three years. Jim retired from farming and he and Leota made their final move to Trenton where they owned and operated their own business, Jim's Garage & Upholstery for many years. Jim was a man who could fix anything. He was well known for taking things that others viewed as flawed, worthless, and broken and putting them back together with his skilled hands and determined mind. Upon his retirement he took to woodworking, creating countless treasured pieces that still survive today in the collections of his friends and family. Jim also enjoyed collecting guns and shooting sports, to say he had acquired a few firearms over the years would be an understatement. Jim was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at Community Hospital in McCook on Monday, April 2, 2024. In addition to his family, he will be missed by the coffee crew on top of the hill in Trenton and by his countless friends; Jim never knew a stranger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leota Brown; his parents, Kenneth Michael and Bernice Katherine Brown; brother, Larry Brown; and grandson, Troy Simmons. Survivors include his children: Rodney (Sharon) Brown, Bernice (David) Gil, Richard (Jamila) Brown, Brenda (Jim) Heiney, and Robin Klein; 14 grandsons; three granddaughters; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack (Penny) Brown; sisters, Peggy Graff, Carol Williams, Vicki (Bob) Adams, and Bette Freeman. Memorial services with military honors are scheduled for 11AM on, Monday, April 8, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials in Jim's memory are suggested to the Anderson Center for Radiation Oncology at Community Hospital in McCook. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook. Memorial Service Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Monday, April 8, 2024 11:00 AM 607 Norris Ave McCook, NE 69001