JAMES D BROWN JR's Obituary
James Douglas Brown, Jr. “Jim”, 73, died Monday, April 27, 2015 at Baptist Hospital.
He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Katharine Reynolds Brown “Kathi”; his daughter; Lesli Ann Brown; his son James Douglas Brown III (Erin); his sister Ellen Brown Eidsmo (Harald); two grandsons, Zachary Daniel and Jacob Nathaniel Brown; and many friends and loved ones. Jim was born in Miami, FL to James Douglas and Margaret McLeod Brown. While his father served in World War II, Jim spent his childhood in Everglades City with his mother and his grandparents, Lucy M. and Daniel W. McLeod, the Everglades City Mayor for 30 years and a founder of Everglades National Park.
After graduating from Coral Gables High School in 1959, Jim attended Florida State University and graduated with a BA in History in 1963. He then attended Stetson College of Law. When he returned as an alumnus to Florida State for a football game, he met his wife, Kathi whom he married in 1967. Jim graduated from law school that year and became a member of the Florida Bar Association. In December, Jim and Kathi moved to Northern Germany where Jim was stationed at a NATO unit as a secret decoder while Kathi was a teacher at an American school. After living and traveling throughout Europe, Jim was honorably discharged from the military and returned to Coral Gables with his wife to begin their family and his private legal practice. He always took great pride in his business, relishing the relationships he made and the clients he served. Jim was a member of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables and enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships he shared. Jim and Kathi enjoyed traveling worldwide as a couple, though always enjoyed returning to their mountaintop vacation home in North Carolina. Jim was an avid collector of Western and early American Art in all mediums and always enjoyed sharing his extensive knowledge. He had a passion for animals as evidenced by his beloved pets, charitable affiliations and trips to witness the rare breeds he defended and admired. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, May 9th at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Coral Gables where Jim was a member of the congregation. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund at www.worldwildlife.org/donate
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