COVID-19 RESPONSE LEARN MORE
obit-thumbnail

James "Jim" Brown

January 30, 1922 - October 7, 2009
Service
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home
3800 N. Big Spring St
Midland, Texas 79705
Friday 10/16, 1:00 pm
Private family burial
Friday 10/16, 2:02 pm
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home
3800 N. Big Spring St
Midland, Texas 79705

James W. "Jim" Brown, 87, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2009 in Houston. A resident of Midland since 1949, he was born January 30, 1922 to Frank M. and Josephine Jessup Brown in Flint, Michigan.After graduating from Flint High School, Jim attended Flint Junior College and Kalamazoo College until he was called to serve in the United States Army Air Corps from 1942 until 1946. He was stationed at Tonopah Army Air Field in Tonopah, Nevada, and in the Pacific Theater. In 1944, Jim married Dorothy Westlund. After the war, Jim earned his BBA (1948) and his MBA (1949) from the University of Michigan, School of Business Administration. Jim moved to Midland in 1949 where he worked for Westlund Drilling Company until 1961. He then became Administrative Assistant to the City Manager in 1963 and advanced to the position of City Manager in 1964 where he served until his retirement in 1987. Over the course of his lifetime, Jim served the community in many different ways. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity where he served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Senior Warden and Junior Warden of the Vestry, and Chairman of the Building Committee. He volunteered at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, where he was a docent; Trinity Towers; and was a Trustee for Manor Park since 1990. Jim was an active member of the YMCA of Midland; the International City Managers Association, Texas City Managers Association, Midland Country Club, and the Bay View Association of Michigan. He leaves behind many friends from Midland College, where he was a longtime member of Dr. William Morris' classes on World Religions. He will also be missed by his many golfing buddies.Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Westlund Brown; his wife, Carol Morgan Brown; his parents Frank and Josephine Brown; and sisters, Frances J. Brown and Barbara Brown Griffin.Jim is survived by his wife Diane; three sons, Jim and wife Sally of Lubbock, Bob, of Midland, and Bill, of Victoria; grandchildren, Jim, Kevin, Kristen, Kris, Traci, and Derek; and nine great-grandchildren.Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 pm, Friday, October 16, 2009 at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity in Midland. Internment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. The family will receive friends at a light lunch reception prior to the service at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall. Memorials may be directed to the Endowment Fund, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, Midland, TX or the charity of one's choice.,

Service
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home
3800 N. Big Spring St
Midland, Texas 79705
Map
Friday 10/16, 1:00 pm
Private family burial
Friday 10/16, 2:02 pm
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home
3800 N. Big Spring St
Midland, Texas 79705
Map

James W. "Jim" Brown, 87, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2009 in Houston. A resident of Midland since 1949, he was born January 30, 1922 to Frank M. and Josephine Jessup Brown in Flint, Michigan.After graduating from Flint High School, Jim attended Flint Junior College and Kalamazoo College until he was called to serve inContinue Reading

See Condolences
Plant a tree in memory of James
 An environmentally friendly option.
Nancy Oldham left a message on October 19, 2009:
I worked for Mr. Brown when he was City Manager and saw him on occasion after he retired. He was the ultimate gentleman, and was a pleasure to work for. He always spoke to you by name, and usually asked about your family, and he remembered their names too. Mr. Brown was very personable and I know the family will miss him.
Bob & Christine wyatt left a message on October 17, 2009:
We learned of Jim's death Friday from the Sharai's,in Bay View. I was very surprised and sadden by the news after the nice visited I had with Jim and Diane Labor Day weekend. Our best to Diane and Jim's family. Bob & Christine Wyatt
John Hyde left a message on October 15, 2009:
Our community has lost a valuable leader . Jim was a gentleman first and always and a down to earth man of great dignity. I had the pleasure of knowing Jim for more than 39 years and observed that he treated every person with respect. I count it an honor to have known him and called him my friend. Jim Brown leaves a legacy of decency for all of us to emulate. John Hyde
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More