James 'Jim' Brown

James Robert “Jim” Brown, age 92, was a patient at Sanford Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota, when he left his earthly body Thursday, February 20, to continue life in heaven with his precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 A celebration of Jim’s life will be at Lincoln Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, March 1,2025 at 11:00 a.m. with pastor Don Reigstad officiating. Jim has been blessed to have been part of the Lincoln E Free Church staff since 2001. After a very short retirement, he was thrilled to be invited to serve as an associate at the church where he and Irene had their membership.

James Robert Brown (Jim) was born in Annandale, Minnesota, to Victor and Mathilda Brown on November 15, 1932. He was the little brother of Roy, June, and Rose. Growing up he enjoyed playing games with his family, following in the steps of his big brother, and attending his church where he had many good friends. He graduated in 1950 from Annandale High School, Trinity Bible College in Chicago in 1956 and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1961. 

On August 23, 1957, he married Irene Olson, the girl who enjoyed having him for a friend before they begun dating seriously. His adventurous spirit, his humor and his kind, loving ways have been a blessing to Irene for their 67 years of marriage. 

During the years from 1961-1971 Jim pastored Faith Free Church in Spirit Lake, Iowa. While serving this Home Missions congregation, Jim was ordained as a pastor into the Evangelical Free Church of America. He loved being a dad to Todd, Scott and Gregg who were born during the years Jim and Irene served in Iowa. 

From 1971 to 1999 the Browns Lived in Rose City, where they served the Free Church congregation in that little town. In 1974 the Leslie Community Church was added to Jim’s ministerial duties. One Sunday as he was greeting folks after the morning worship at Rose City, a young man and his wife who were headed East to serve their first congregation, asked Pastor Jim for a piece of advice. It was simply, “Love your people.”

In the Fall of 1998, Jim and Irene’s three sons and several men of their congregation moved them to their new home on Crookneck Lake. While they were completing ministry days at Rose City and Leslie, they camped out at the Rose City parsonage until the last day of February 1999. 

Moving to Crookneck Lake where Jim and Iren could fish, canoe and just spend time on the pontoon enjoying God’s beautiful outdoors was an unexpected blessing. Having time to attend the grandchildren’s school programs and as many sporting events as possible during football, basketball and tennis seasons was an added blessing. Hunting with the Rosenquist family at their farm in the Rose City area, attending events at Camp Shamineau and attending conferences of the Evangelical Free Church of America were looked forward to with great anticipation by both Jim and Irene. The trip of a life-time to Venezuela to visit college and seminary friends, Darryl and Millie Carlson, meant Jim had to fly! He preferred driving his own vehicle, whether the big van full of teen-agers to swim or sing Christmas carols or whatever vehicle he was using for visiting folks in his congregation or being with those who needed him with them during especially difficult times. During these later ministry days, he traveled from here to there in the little red Edge- being able to drive his own vehicle gave him great joy!

Jim did love the people in his life, everyone of you. He enjoyed preparing Brown Bag devotionals and tributes to friends, daily prayer times with Irene, reading his Bible through yearly (READ IT THOUGH IN SIXTY-TWO, Vacation Bible school theme) and VISTING, whether in person or on the phone. Leading out Lincoln Encore Senior Bible Study was a special privilege as well as helping Irene prepare Praise and Prayer sheets for the Wednesday group. Shopping was always a fun activity for him! 

Jim was preceded in death by his brother Roy (Vernis), sister June Mattila (Rueben), and brother-in-law Harry Johnson as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene; three sons, Todd (Pat) of Becker, MN, Scott (Deb) of Maple Grove, MN, Gregg (Katrina) of Becker, MN; Grandchildren Denver (Sarah) Brown, Molly (Charlie) Moore, Gavin (Ana) Brown, Dawson (Aly) Brown, Ayla, Sawyer and Tess Brown; 11 Great-grandchildren, Elle, Clara, Jed, Hannah, Rowan, Mabel, Merrick, Noble, Calahan, Shea and Jones; 15 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews, special friends Kerwin Rosenquist and Robin Houde.

Burial will be at the Scandia Valley Cemetery. Jim’s grandchildren are his chosen pallbearers.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel Staples.