Jay Brown

Jay died peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, MI on January 6, 2018 at the age of 84, following a sudden stroke. He was lovingly surrounded by family. Jay was born in Kalamazoo, MI on February 13, 1933 to Jay Brown Sr. and Lola (Rowley) Brown/Bauer. He grew up in the Oakwood area and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1951. He attended Western Michigan University. In 1957 Jay was united in marriage to his loving wife, Helen (Alman) Brown of 60 years. He retired from the Upjohn Company in 1990. After retirement, he partnered with his son in AES Builders and worked for Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Home Builders Association, Remodelers Counsel, Oshtemo Small Business Association, Downtown Development Authority, Rotary Club, and a longtime Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed morning coffee with his good friends, and was a passionate supporter of Western Michigan University Sports, volunteering as an assistant coach for the women's softball team. Jay had a strong Christian faith, and was an active member of Oshtemo United Methodist Church. He was a devoted husband and father who deeply loved life, his family, and his friends. He was an eternal optimist, strong and sharp, with a robust laugh. Everyone who met him loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Charles Riddle, a sister Betty Buddemeyer, and a son Jay Brown III. He is survived by his wife, Helen, his children, Katie (Dan) Dyer, Dave (Barb) Brown, Dan (Pam) Brown, and Andy (Pattie) Brown, his 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, a brother John Brown, sisters-in-law Laurette Riddle and Marilyn Alman, and many beloved nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Oshtemo United Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow. Memorial donations can be made to Heifer International or Ministry with Community. For full obituary see the Whitley Memorial Funeral Home website.