James Brown Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James Brown of Grand Ridge, Illinois, who passed away on February 3, 2025, at the age of 100, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of James Brown to pay them a last tribute.

He was predeceased by: his parents, James Brown and Alta Brown (Head); his wife Dolores (McCormick); his daughter Sheila Smith-Rawlins; his granddaughters, Heather Smith-Condon and Jennifer Smith-Evans; and his siblings, Mary McCormick, Gene, Phil, Gerald, Edward and Joe Brown.

He is survived by: his children, Kevin Brown (Pat) of Ottawa, James Brown (Cindy) of Palmdale, CA, Karen Saleh (Ahmed) of Streator and Christine Benckendorf (Sylvester) of Streator; his grandchildren, Mike Brown (Jackee) of Downs, Becky Spaulding (Jason) of Noblesville, IN, Steve Brown (Christin) of Lexington, James Brown (Caitlin) of Streator, Patrick Smith (Karen) of Streator, Zakia Scheuer (Scott) of Streator, Nadia Saleh of New York, NY and Theresa Benckendorf of Streator; his great grandchildren, Veronica, Kylar, Jacob Spaulding, Dominic, Sidney Brown, Leland, Colin Brown, Saul Moreno, Eden Bruhns, Maura Condon, Jasmine, Jessica Evans, Allison, Michael Smith, Ellie and Hanna Scheuer; his sisters, Ann Miller and Judy Franks; and his sisters-in-law, Doris Brown, Sara Brown, Pat McCormick and Theresa McCormick. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Friday, February 21st 2025 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the St. Mary of the Fields Catholic Church (2098 E 22nd Rd, Grand Ridge, IL 61325). A Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, February 21st 2025 at 11:30 AM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department or St. Bede Abbey.