James Vaughn Brown, 86 of Brazil, passed away on October 29, 2020 at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. James was born on August 23, 1934 in Clay County, son of Oscar Brown and Mellie Tucker Brown. James graduated from Ashboro High School in 1952. As a Fighting Shamrock, James was a fine athlete in Baseball, Track and Basketball. His Ashboro basketball team was recognized in Indiana’s Basketball Hall of Fame. His honest values and work ethics were recognized in his career which included working on the family farm, 7 years with his family owned Brown’s Coal Company, 38 years with Amax Coal Company and the United Mine Workers of America. James took pride in operating and maintaining one of the largest Draglines at one of the largest mines at the time. James retired in 1996 with 45 years of service with a brotherhood of respected mine workers that formed deep lifelong friendships.
James was united in marriage with the love of his life, Phyllis Joan Trout Brown on May 21, 1954. Together they provided a loving home, raised their family and welcoming their friends and many good neighbors to a most warm and inviting place. James and Phyllis always loved and enjoyed maintaining a beautiful yard and sharing his love of nature. James expressed his greatest blessing in life was the devoted love he shared with his wife Phyllis, the blessing of 66 years of marriage and what really matters most; his Love of Jesus, God’s gift of his fine family and many dear, wonderful friendships. Jim was a member of Berea Christian Church and now shares his love of Christ at Grace Chapel Church where he enjoyed Christian music, singing praise songs with Phyllis, his children, and grandchildren.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Mellie Brown; stepmother, Dorothy Brown; brother Bobby (Rosetta) Brown; father and mother in law, Virgil and Helen Trout; special uncle and aunt, Fred and Faye Taggart; brother in law, Virgil “Buggs” Trout; and many other loved and dear family members.
Survivors include his loving wife, Phyllis Brown; one son, Steven Brown and wife Staci; daughter Terri Brown Potter (Mike Cheek); grandchildren, Jennica Trusler (Eric), Jason T. Brown, Addie Stoelting (Josh), Lindsey Potter, Broc Potter (Chandler); great-grandchildren Mazie and Max Stoelting, Wren and River Trusler; Brothers and sisters in law, Larry and Linda Cobb, David and Jonie Norman and Annie Trout; nephews and nieces, Joseph Trout (Nancy), Tony Trout (Tammy), Eric Herron (Kim), Elizabeth Norman, Patty Jo Dorman (Mark), Sue Wright, Michael Brown (Sheree); many close cousins, friends and neighbors.
Services will be held at Grace Chapel at 2:00pm this Saturday, October 31, 2020 with Pastor Tim Russell officiating. Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery. Visitation will Saturday from 1-2. Masks will be worn, and social distancing will be followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a love offering to be given to the children’s ministry of Grace Chapel Church.