James Brown

James R. Brown, 89 son of Charles F. and Floy Brown passed away Saturday, May 2, 1015 at the Battle Creek Bronson At Home Hospice Residence.

Jim was born January 27, 1926 in Vicksburg, MI. He graduated from Vicksburg High School then attended Western Michigan University while serving in the Naval Reserves. He went on to graduate with an engineering degree from the University of Michigan. He married his childhood sweetheart Rayletta C. Swan, and then moved to Battle Creek where he worked for the Kellogg Company as an Industrial Engineer for over thirty years. Together they raised three children. Jim was an avid sports fan, he played a variety of sports during high school and lettered in baseball both at WMU and U of M. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and family. Jim was a gentle family man with a kind heart and quick wit. He loved birds and animals especially the family’s dogs.

Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rayletta, and their three children: daughters Nancy (Bill) Healy of Dixmont, ME; Gail (Bill) Penty of Battle Creek, MI; and son Doug (Nancy) Brown of Martinsburg, WV; four grandchildren: Katie (Troy) Saunders; Kenneth (Erin) Brown; Jill (Aaron Constantakis) Penty and Ryan (Katie) Penty; two great grandchildren: Evelynne Rae Penty and Brendan James Penty: and a brother John (Maggie) Brown of Meridian, ID; two nieces and a nephew.

A private family grave side will be held with interment at Vicksburg Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Battle Creek Bronson At Home Hospice Residence or the Calhoun County Humane Society. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (269-649-1697) www.lifestorynet.com