James Richard Brown

James Richard Brown, beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on May 5, 1933—just two days after James Brown, the Godfather of Soul—in San Francisco. He moved to San Diego at age 5, where he lived out his remaining years (not singing or dancing).

Despite having a tough childhood, spending time at the Mission De Alcala orphanage, where the nuns gave him more discipline than affection he kept a strong faith in the Lord anyway, meeting his wife of 59 years at church in the singles-set group.

He proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War and later in the Air Force, serving most of his time in Spain (instead of Scotland—a fact he never quite got over). After earning a degree from San Diego State College (before it was a fancy University), he planned to teach but instead worked for the federal government in Aviation—because, as it turns out, plans are overrated. He also held a part-time job at Kragen Auto Parts, proving retirement was just a suggestion.

A history buff, James spent years in Civil War reenactments (don’t worry, he was Union), volunteering at Old Town with his wife, and later at the Air & Space Museum. A lifelong baseball fan, he claimed the Padres always lost when he watched—so, for their sake, he refrained.

Despite his appreciation for history, he had a soft spot for cartoons. He adored Disney movies and had a particular fondness for Betty Boop, much to the eye-rolling of his family.

Above all, James was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his daughter, Marie; his son, James; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and his grandson, Kane. He will be remembered for his humor, his unwavering dedication to his family, and his ability to make history, baseball, and even Betty Boop a part of his legacy.