James Brown

James W. Brown age 54 of Erie, passed away Tuesday morning, October 10, 2017 at St. Vincent Health Care Center.  

He was born in Pittsburgh, PA July 1, 1963, the son of Ronald W. Brown and the late Georgia Ann (Brinley) Brown.

Jim was a graduate of North Hills High School Class of 1981, and served our country in the United States Navy from 1981-1990 during the Persian Gulf War as Sgt. 1^st Class. He then graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1994.  

Jim was employed as an engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration currently working in Erie.

Jim belonged to the American Legion Post 773, and was a member of the Sportsmen’s Club. He enjoyed hockey-particularly his favorite team the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his hobbies included traveling, gardening and cooking. Above all however, Jim was a kind and gentle soul who loved and adored his kids. 

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his son PFC U.S. Army Matthew W. Brown who died May 11, 2008, while serving active duty in Afghanistan.

Jim is survived by his wife Irene (Ochoa) Brown, his daughter Julia Brown (Leo Kowalski) of Pittsburgh, two stepdaughters Alyson Franz of Charles Town, WV and Melanie Franz of Erie, PA, his father Ronald W. and stepmother Linda Brown of Pittsburgh, his twin sisters Georgia Lee Metzger (James) and Helen Benson (Robert) both of Bridgeville, PA, along with three nephews Max, Arthur and Ray (Nicole) Morrow.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26^th St., Erie, PA 16506, on Monday October 16^th from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. Further visitation will be held on Tuesday October 17^th from 4 p.m. until the time of a second service at 7 p.m. at Boylan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 324 East Grandview Ave. Zelienople, PA 16063.  Burial with full military honors will be held Wednesday October 18^th at 11 a.m. at the English Lutheran Cemetery South Oliver St. Zelienople, PA 16063.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 301 Grant St. Suite 900 Pittsburgh, PA 15219.