James Edward Brown

James Edward Brown, born September 12, 1938, passed away on October 24, 2026, following a lengthy illness.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Judith M. Brown; his parents, Edward and Hattie Pearl Brown; his brothers-in-law, John Young and Robert Fox; his nephew, Richard D. Fox; his cousin, Lee Austin; and his special friend, James Haley.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Laura (David) Harrington; his son, James H. (Nicole) Brown; his grandchildren, Leanna (Colby) Molino, Caitlyn Harrington, Zachary Brown, Mackenzie Brown, and Nicholas Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Alanna, Eva, and Lucio James Molino. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sharon Fox, Margaret Ross, and Kathleen Young, as well as his nephews, a niece, and several special friends, including his partner in crime during his younger days, Richard Ross.

Jim was a proud United States Marine, and the discipline, courage, and devotion to service he gained in the Corps remained woven into the fabric of his life. His military service helped shape the man he became: steady, capable, loyal, and always ready to meet life’s challenges head-on. The Marine Corps was more than a chapter in his story; it was a lasting source of pride and a reflection of the values he carried with him every day.

Jim owned and operated his own barber business in Pittsford, New York. He was also a beekeeper, owned and operated a Christmas tree farm, and was a self-taught arborist. Over the years, he spent decades caring for and managing approximately 150 acres of woods across three separate properties he owned. He knew the land intimately and took great pride in tending it, studying it, and preserving its beauty. The woods were not simply a place to him; they were a source of peace, purpose, and renewal, deeply rooted in his soul.

An avid hiker and backpacker, Jim embraced the outdoors with determination and wonder. He hiked all 46 peaks of the Adirondacks and enjoyed extensive adventures in the White Mountains, along with several trips out West with his beloved wife. Whether following a rugged trail, climbing toward a distant summit, or spending quiet time among the trees, Jim found joy in the challenge and beauty of the natural world. His adventures reflected his strength, curiosity, and enduring appreciation for the freedom of the open wilderness.

Jim was also an avid historian, with interests spanning from the Roman Empire and the Revolutionary War to World War I and World War II. He was knowledgeable in many areas, including politics and economics, and possessed an extensive thirst for knowledge.

Jim had a wonderfully mischievous sense of humor and was a memorable prankster in his younger days. He delighted in catching people off guard, sharing a perfectly timed joke, or turning an ordinary moment into a story everyone would remember. His humor was lively, unexpected, and unmistakably his own. He could make people laugh with ease, and his ability to bring lightness and fun to those around him remained one of the many qualities his family and friends cherished.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no calling hours, and a private burial will take place.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Project, 239 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607.

May Jim’s memory always bring a smile, a laugh, or an appreciation of nature and the outdoors.