Jim Brown

Jimmy Lyman “Jim” Brown, age 88, Joplin, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Joplin Gardens in Joplin.

Jim was born March 4, 1934, son of the late Fred Brown and Theresa Mae (Ryker) Brown.  He grew up in Seneca, and graduated from Seneca High School, and then graduated from Joplin Junior College.  During this time he became very involved with Little League, and was the youngest coach at Sunny Jim Park where he coached the Tastemark Little League Team.  He moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma to work for Phillip’s Petroleum, and transferred to California with that company. He also owned and operated a trucking company for some time before returning to the Joplin area in 2000.  During his time in Oklahoma and California he still enjoyed working with the youth and managing Little League teams.  He developed these traits from his father who was a former minor league baseball player, and his mentor, Lyman Lamb, who played in the major leagues before coaching the Joplin Miners and was a good friend of his father Fred.  He was Jim’s namesake.

Jim was very involved in Redings Mill after he returned to Joplin, serving as a former Mayor, and helped with the Fire Department.   He also worked for some time with Wal-Mart in their lawn and garden department.  Jim loved being outdoors and was a favorite with the staff of Joplin Gardens where he spent the last few years.  He will be greatly missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Owen “Buster” Brown.

Survivors include his children, Larry Brown and wife Alison of Arizona, Kathy Brown and Dee Liclican both of California; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his sister, JoAnn Vowels and husband Max of Joplin; several nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel with Minister Nick Enabnit officiating.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff of Joplin Gardens and the Avalon Hospice staff for all the love and care shown to Jim.

Memorials may be made to the Redings Mill Fire Department.

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