James Arland Brown's Obituary
James A Brown, 87, passed away peacefully at his Lake Norman home on the 1st of June 2017.
James was born February 14, 1930 in Crooked Creek, PA. He graduated Wellsboro High School in 1948. He attended Mansfield State Teacher's College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1952. After college James joined the US Navy. He became a Navy pilot stationed on aircraft carriers. His squadron was VF-32 and he achieved rank of Lieutenant. He logged over 900 air hours on eight different aircrafts. Notable are his 113 successful aircraft carrier landings without a wave off.
In September 1956, he married Virginia A Brown from Dunkirk, NY. They were happily married for sixty years. After honorable discharge from the Navy in 1957, Jim (also known as Jack by his PA family and friends) and Virg started a family in Binghamton, NY. Jim studied Electrical Technology at Broome Technical Community College, completing his associates degree in 1959.
Jim's career in Sales and Training with General Electric (Turbine division) lasted 26 years. His career with GE took his family from Pittsfield, MA to Clifton Park, NY to Huntersville, NC. After retiring from GE, Jim taught Training and Electronics at Duke Power, ITT Technical Institute, and Gaston County Schools.
Upon relocating to NC from NY, Jim and Virg built their current home on Lake Norman. The house was Jim's pride and joy. For forty years, he enjoyed nurturing his garden (especially his tomatoes), planting trees, boating, and fishing with his granddaughters. He spent most every morning eating a healthy breakfast whilst looking out at the spectacular view.
Both James and Virginia were very active in the community. They could often be found volunteering for the Red Cross, serving at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and playing bridge. They were lifelong campers and world travelers. All who knew him will surely miss his bright smile and can-do attitude.
James is pre-deceased by his brother Gerald Brown and wife Carol. He is survived by his brother Thomas Brown and wife Linda, his two children James Randall Brown and wife Reina, Donna Brown and husband Robert Villegas, three grandchildren Danielle Lovato and husband Phillip, Sonya Brown, and Jacqueline Brown, four great grandchildren Alysea, Luke, Derek, and Ariana.
A memorial service will be held in celebration of James' life at 2 pm Saturday, June 24th at St. Peter's by the Lake, 8433 Fairfield Forest Road, Denver, NC 28037. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made in James' name to Novant Hospice or St. Peter's By the Lake Episcopal Church. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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