James Brown, 68, of Fredricktown, MO, formerly of Ottumwa died at 3:30 a.m. June 27, 2025 at Parkland Hospital in Farmington, MO.
He was born August 15, 1956 in Oskaloosa to Alvia Lee and Irene Marie Sytsma Brown. Jim married Sharon Sue McCoy on June 21, 1975.
Growing up in Oskaloosa and Council Bluffs, Jim was a 1975 graduate of Fremont High School. While living in Pella for a short time, he worked for Vermeer Mfg. He then moved to Fremont and later Ottumwa where he worked at Hormel, Excel, Service Master and then back to Excel. Jim worked with the custodial staff at Ottumwa Baptist Temple from 2007 until retiring in 2021. He and Sharon had been residents of Fredricktown, MO since 2023.
He was a member of Ottumwa Baptist Temple and Blessed Hope Baptist Church in Farmington, MO.
Jim was an avid reader, especially Civil War history. He enjoyed playing chess and was an avid outdoorsman and hunter.
Surviving is his wife, Sharon; their children, Pastor Jason (Kristina) Brown of Cape Girardeau, MO, Pastor Jonathan (Amanda) Brown of Fredricktown, MO and Jessica Murray of Ottumwa; 10 grandchildren, Caleb, Anthony, Grace, Leah, Jaylee, Elaina, Malia, Addyson, RuthAnne and Violet; siblings, Ron (Pat) Brown of Knoxville and Steve (Dorinda) Brown of Omaha, NE; and father-in-law, Glen McCoy of Davenport.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday July 1st at Ottumwa Baptist Temple. Family will be present one hour prior to the service to greet friends at the church.
Burial will be in Iconium Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Ottumwa Baptist Temple for Bus Ministry.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
