James R. Brown “Jim”, died May 16, 2022. He was the son of the late Robert and Phyllis (Domina) Brown. Jim was born November 19, 1943 on a farm in Enosburg, VT moved to Western MA in 1961. Over the years he has worked as a farmer, driven an 18-wheeler and had been a construction driver. He leaves a wife, Lorraine Brown, 4 children, Lisa Vishaway (Todd), James Brown (Barbara), Janet Glick (Dennis) and Paul Atkinson (Tina), 10 grandchildren, one predeceased and 5 great grandchildren. He leaves his sister Monica Labrie of Southampton and two brothers Thomas Brown of Eastampton and Phillip Brown of FL.
Although he enjoyed woodworking throughout the years, since his retirement in 2005 his woodworking hobby interest has grown into something much more personal. He enjoyed searching for possibilities of what can be created out of all different types of wood from bowls, candle holders, piggy banks and toys for his grandchildren.
When Jim was not dabbling in his woodworking shop you could find him being a crossing guard at the local middle school, camping all over the northeast, recycling cans for kids, hauling items people no longer need, volunteering on the BPW board, but his biggest passion was children’s happiness. In 2000 he started what was a free annual event in Easthampton, MA, “Big Rig Day”, a day for children of all ages to enjoy climbing on a truck, a trailer and honking a few horns…it’s a fun day for all ages. You can find out more information about the Big Rig Day at www.bigrigday.com.
Jim had a heart of GOLD and enjoyed everything he did in life; his passion for making others happy is what made him so special.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday May 24, from 4-6pm at Boucher – O’Brien Funeral Home 7 Pleasant St, Easthampton.
Donations can be made in his name to Shriners Children’s Hospital.