James C. Brown

Jim Brown passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife, Kang Lee Sheppard, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Garden Ranch Assisted Living, Abode Hospice Care, both in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kang Lee Sheppard, since their marriage in 1999, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jim Brown was born on February 27, 1939, to Ralph O. (RO) and Thelma (nee Knopf) Brown in Cleveland, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by both parents. He was married to Sandra (nee Cable) of Kent, Ohio in 1962. She preceded him in death in 1997. Their son, Timmy, preceded him in death in 1965. His beloved sister, Sarah Johnson, preceded him in 2023 from Holland, Michigan. He is survived by daughters; Lisa Jo (Brown) Stephens, of Green, and Heather Lyn (Brown) Smith of Lake Worth, Florida; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two nieces, and several grand-nieces and nephews.

Jim was an Eagle Scout and a lifetime member of the National Eagle Scouts of America. He was a graduate of Kent State University High School in Kent, Ohio. After attending Kent State University, Bob Jones University, and Akron University, he received a degree in architecture. He was awarded a BSBA degree from the University of Phoenix and subsequently earned an MBA from Regent University. Postgraduate work toward a PhD was accomplished at Regent University.

Jim was a direct descendent of Mayflower passengers Edward Fuller, Myles Standish, William Brewster, John Turner, Stephen Hopkins, and Thomas Rogers. He was the sixth-great-grandson of William Brown (1702-1763) who immigrated to the USA in 1730.

Through his genealogy hobby, Jim discovered his fourteenth-great-grandfather, Edward Fuller, a passenger on the Mayflower, and his sixth-great-grandfather, Samuel Robinson, was a patriot in the Revolutionary War and fought at Bunker Hill. His other supplemental Revolutionary War patriot ancestors included Edward Crafts, Job Barstow, Samuel Barstow Jr., and Jacob Sawyer, all Minutemen before the Revolution. He enjoyed telling of his long heritage and encouraging others to find theirs. He was a lifetime member of the Descendants of the Mayflower Society and The Sons of the American Revolution.

Jim became a believer in Jesus after his introduction by his first wife, Sandy. He followed and lived a life of generosity, teaching, mentoring, and serving his Lord Jesus. Jim was a member and elder of First Presbyterian Church, serving as Clerk of Session during a tumultuous time of change. He supported many Christian endeavors and missions with his time, talent, and resources throughout his life. time, talent, and resources throughout his life. Jim was one of the founders of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Jim grew up, lived, and worked in the Akron area until God called him to Colorado Springs in 1990. There, he ministered in church building programs with the Christian & Missionary Alliance Development Fund as Vice President throughout the U.S. His heritage, passion, and talents were in building for the Kingdom. Talented in accounting, business, and construction, Jim looked for ways to direct his efforts to encourage believers wherever he contacted them. He supported the Wycliffe Bible translation in Brazil until it was completed.

While living in Colorado Springs, he volunteered with Pikes Peak Council Boy Scouts of America Board (BSA), Marion House Soup Kitchen for many years, and Habitat for Humanity. He served as a board member at Simpson University in California. In Colorado Springs, he served on the board with Colorado Springs Youth Symphony, Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, Sheppard Art Institute, and UCCS Curiosity Unlimited.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11 AM, at Restland Cemetery, 1333 Tallmadge Road, Brimfield, OH 44240, where Jim will be buried in the family plot with his father, mother, son Timmy, and wife Sandy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or First Presbyterian Deacons’ Fund, 219 Bijou St., Colorado Springs, Colorado.