James Brown

James L. "Bear" Brown With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our beloved James Lee "Bear" Brown, on Sunday, February 18, 2024. He was born on September 30, 1958, in East St. Louis, IL. A loyal and loving family man, James was known for his adventurous spirit and witty charisma. He was a beacon of light in his family's life, and lovingly married to his wife (Pam) for forty-four and a half years. James lived an extraordinary life filled with love and a sense of adventure that took him to 34 countries worldwide. Professionally, he was a respected figure in Worldwide Purchasing and Buying. He retired in 2014 from GM in Detroit, MI. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, wood carving, drumming, and most importantly, spending quality time with his family. He was a dedicated member of the Rockport Aloha Ukulele Group and a passionate youth football coach. For 25 years, he co-founded and was president over the Mid Michigan Rural Football League, and became a White Hat Official. As a born-again believer, James was deeply involved in his Christian faith, serving as a deacon, puppeteer, and youth ministry. Reflecting on Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven," James lived his life as a testament spread laughter, but most importantly unconditional love to to his family and those he held dear. James is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Brown; children Jeannette (Josh) Baker and James (Jeni) Brown; grandchildren Destiny, Ethan, Bryce, Shane, Allie, Nathan, Brookelynn, Kaelyn, Rowen, and Lilah; Children by love not blood Brian (Jeanine) Chyba and Tamanna Jethwani; and siblings Arlene, Gwendolyn, and Harvey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Evalee Brown, and granddaughter, Hailey Chyba. James will be fondly remembered for his unwavering loyalty, loving heart, adventurous soul, and witty humor. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. The family will have a private ceremony in the Smoky Mountains as request by James. We invite you to leave your memories and upload photos of James on the memorial page at www.MichiganCremation.com to celebrate his beautiful life. Your shared experiences will provide comfort and help keep his spirit alive in our hearts. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Brown, please visit our flower store.