James Lacey Brown, 86 of Russell died Sunday, March 27, 2011 at the Russell Regional Hospital.

James was born December 28, 1924 on the family farm outside of Russell, one of three children born to John A. and Dorothy Ruth (Lacey) Brown.  He grew up in Russell County and graduated from Russell High School in 1942.

James served his country in the U.S. Army at the end of WWII.

After his military duty, James returned to Russell where he was united in marriage to Marjorie Anne Moore on December 28, 1947.  This union was blessed with two children, Janet and Paul.  They lived in Gorham for a few years, before returning to Russell.  Marjorie preceded him in death on January 13, 2010.

James was a farmer and rancher his whole life.  He farmed the family farm near Russell and his aunt’s farm near Gorham.  He also was a plumber and electrician throughout his life.  He worked for Carl Maier, Don Dailey Plumbing and Red’s Plumbing before conducting his own business.

James was a member of the Russell Elks Lodge, Kansas Historical Society and many coffee clubs.  He also was a member of the School Board for 3 Corner school.  He was an inventor at heart.  If it needed fixed he could fix it.  He loved playing his fiddle, tinkering and making clocks, reading anything and was a true history buff.

Surviving family include his daughter, Janet Thurow and husband John of Ellinwood, Kansas; son, Paul Brown and wife Peggy of Victoria, Texas; sister, Frances Craven of Russell, Kansas; four grandchildren, Anliet Milke, Jarred Milke, Jason Brown and Nathan Brown;  one great grandson Korben Brown; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and many special friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John  Brown and son-in-law Gary C. Milke.

Family will be present to greet friends from 10 AM to 11 AM  Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with a graveside service following the greeting.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Friday, April 1, 2011 at the mortuary.  A memorial has been established with the Russell Public Library.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.