James “Jim” Edward Brown

James “Jim” Edward Brown, 81, of Newark, DE, husband, father and grandfather went home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 14, 2022.  He was born on February 26, 1941 in Wilmington, DE to the late James Owen Brown and Albertha May (Veazey) Brown.

Jim served in the United States Navy for 9 years, serving two tours in Vietnam. Upon returning home in 1967, he began his career at Sears Roebuck and Company as a Home Services Technician, retiring in 1996.  Because of his experiences when returning home from his military service, Jim became a dedicated supporter of veterans and organizations that support them. Although he preferred to work behind the scenes, he served in many leadership positions with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 615. He most recently was a member of VFW Post 475. In addition, Jim was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Tin Can Sailors, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Wounded Warrior Project and many more.

Jim also volunteered at PAWS for People as a pet therapy team with several of his beloved German Shepherds visiting veterans in the Wilmington Veterans Hospital nursing home and other local nursing homes.  He enjoyed the time that he spent getting to know each veteran he met.

Within the past 8 years, Jim learned he had asbestosis, a terminal disease, as a result of exposure during his time in the Navy, the last 10 months, Jim’s symptoms worsened but he fought to continue his normal activities.

He loved his family deeply and worked hard to provide for them. He will be missed by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Bonnie Lee (Heegard), his daughter, Lisa Crowe and granddaughter Shea Crowe.  He joked about the number of women is his life, including the German Shepherds he trained and cared for.

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Ann Greaves.

The family would like to thank Michelle Rowe, RN of Delaware Hospice for her kind and compassionate care through dad’s illness and death.  Dad appreciated the time you took with him and considered you a dear friend. Thank you for taking such good care of him through the end.

Private services were held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery for the immediate family.