James Robert Brown

James Robert Brown, a proud veteran who loved his country, and family deeply, passed away on August 15, 2021. He was 70 years old. James was born on July 4, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri, to James and Lulamae Brown. He was the third of 5 brothers; Henry, Neal, Gene and Jessie. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in the class of 1968. He then went on to the United States Army, where he proudly served for two years. On April 4, 1987, he married Peggy Hebblethwaite and together they raised 3 children: Kayla, JaLanna and James Jr. James was a licensed practical nurse and worked at the Sanitarium, Resthaven before working the Veterans Administration Hospital for 33 dedicated years. Anyone who knew James, knew that he loved working with the veterans and with all of the employees. He had many friends there. He was also a loving husband, father who was funny and always had a joke to tell. James especially loved to tease his daughters, Kayla and Lanna about being the “ironing boy” in the Army, when they would ask what he did while he served in the armed forces. James loved and joking just as much with his son, James Jr. He was such a quiet and reserved man who was always happy to be at home with family, or at the AMC theaters catching the latest SciFi, action-packed, Marvel or DC movie. He loved his puggle, Barney and he will be dearly missed by so many.

James is survived by his wife of 34 years, Peggy Brown; children, Kayla (David Northcutt) Brown, JaLanna Brown, and James Brown, Jr.; furbaby, Barney, brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Due to COVID-19, there will be no formal services at this time. As a nurse, James would continue to encourage people to wear a mask and to get the vaccine. In James’ honor, the family suggests donations to be made to either Veterans Families or to Great Plains SPCA Animal Shelter, 21001 MO-78, Independence, MO 64057. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600).