James L. Brown

James L. Brown, 92, of Bremen, passed away at 3:09 am, June 27, 2016 in Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa. He lived a full, active, and exciting life with family and friends. You could always find him either on the golf course or horseback riding. Jim and his wife Phyllis, loved trail riding with their horse “family” and camped all over the U.S. Jim was a part owner of Sprig 0’Mint Golf Course for many years and they enjoyed winters golfing in Florida. Jim and Phyllis traveled extensively throughout the world. Jim began his lifelong career as an owner and employee at Bremen Castings, Inc. in 1941 at the age of 17. His father, Ellis Brown was one of the founders of Bremen Gray Iron Foundry. He held many officer positions, served as Chairman of the Board from 1984-2015 and remained as a Board Advisor until present. Jim served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946 and served on board the U.S.S. Denver. He was a life-time member of the V.F.W., a member of the American Legion, American Foundry Society, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Jim would have celebrated his marriage of 69 years on June 28, to Phyllis (Reed). They had four children, Trudy (Al) Pijut of Argos IN, Cindy (Chet) Piechowiak of Ormond Beach, FL, James E (Maryln) Brown of Bremen, IN and Jody Brown of Bremen, IN. They were blessed with eight grandchildren: JB (Lisa) Brown, Shayne (Brian) Taylor, Spring Harrison, Matt (Sarah) Gilmer, Shanna Gilmer, Cassidy (Ryan) Strang, Max (Ashley) Kipfer; eight great-grandchildren and several step great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ellis and Violet (Hans) Brown, and a sister Jean Milleman. A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 1, 2016 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 605 S. Center St., Bremen from 11:00 am-2:00 pm with funeral starting at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place at Bremen Cemetery with military honors. Dinner to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Bremen VFW Post 8972, 1750 W. Plymouth St., or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bremen.