James W. "Jim" Brown

James W. "Jim" Brown, 73, of Mossville, IL passed away at 1:23 pm on Monday, July 3, 2017 at his residence. He was born on November 21, 1943 in New Holland, IL to Leo and Marie (Fulscher) Brown. He married Nancy Riecker on December 18, 1964. They were married 44 years. She passed away on September 12, 2011.

Surviving are his daughters Julie (Todd) Beagle of Marquette Heights, IL and Tina Winkler and Karen Gallup both of Metamora, IL; grandchildren Alex Beagle, Noah Gallup, and Aidan Beagle; and his dog, Buster. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Leonard Swanson and brother Robert Brown.

Jim was a U.S. Army and Navy Veteran. Jim honorably served 27 years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and as a U.S. Navy Seabee before retiring as a Chief Utilitiesman in 1991. His service buddies called him "Brownie." He continued lending his service while working for several plumbing and heating companies as well as serving for 17 years in the Maintenance department for Peoria Public School District 150 prior to his retirement in 1998. He was an active member of Parkview United Church of Christ and had attended Crossroads Baptist Church in Peoria. He was a member of the Teamsters Union, Firemen and Oilers Union and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Jim enjoyed biking, fishing, camping, music, dancing, and loved animals.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria with military honors accorded and Reverend Steve Barch officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel in Germantown Hills. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to TAPS, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.