Richard James "Jim" Brown, 83, born January 5, 1926 passed away on February 4, 2009 at The Terrace of Fleming Island. He was born in Saulte Ste Marie Ontario Canada and was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Navy as Gunners Mate in the South Pacific in the Armed Guard. Honorably discharged in 1946 and settled in St. Petersburg, Florida where he attended Technical School on the GI Bill and went into electronics and the music and vending business. He founded "Mr. Music", retired in 1985 and moved to Salt Springs where he lived until 2000, then moved to Interlachen and finally settled in 2003 in Fleming Island Plantation where he lived happily until he passed away. Jim was predeceased by his parents: George W. Brown and Kathleen Latimer Brown. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lillian Brown of Fleming Island, FL; one daughter, Melissa LaFrance, St. Petersburg, FL; one step-daughter, Katherine Fries of Jacksonville; 3 step-sons: Charles Kiernan of Brooksville, James J. Kiernan of Salt Springs and Donald J. Kiernan of Clearwater, FL; one brother, George Robert "Bob" Brown of St. Petersburg; 2 sisters: Helen Miller of Daytona Beach and Jean Meach of Newport Richey, FL; granddaughter, Danielle Nicole LaFrance of St. Petersburg; step-grandchildren: Ramona Evans, Josh Kiernan, Donald J. Kiernan, Kristin Kiernan and Kyle Kiernan, all of St. Petersburg, Dylan Kiernan of Jacksonville, Tamar Kiernan of Camden, GA, Elysia Kiernan of Brooksville, FL; and one step-great granddaughter, Gracie Mae Kiernan of Clearwater, FL. Mr. Brown loved life and loved and raised all his children with love and generosity. He gave each one of us who came unto his life a reason to pursue our dreams, get an education, and above all "Never give up." Do not give up: You will make it." Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Monday, February 9 at HardageGiddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 950 Park Ave, Orange Park with Rev. William L. Baldwin officiating and visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the chapel. Burial will follow in Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Florida Times Union, Feb 8 2009