James Alva Brown

James Alva Brown

1937-2018

Never Ending (Jim’s 

final thoughts)

 I used to rope and ride and shoot

 When I was young and times were yore

 Now when I cross that great divide

 I’m gonna rope and ride and shoot some more.

 Jim crossed that great divide Nov. 3, 2018. He was born to Harold Alva and Viola Blanche Brown on Oct. 12, 1937 in a farm house on Farrell Road in Weiser, Idaho.  

 In 1945 his family moved to Island Road, near the Snake River and in the shadow of Indianhead Mountain, on the Weiser Flat. 

 Jim developed a kinship with nature during those early years, often leaving home for days on his own, surviving off his hunting skills and wit. He grew up running wild horses and seeming to split his philosophy on life between those of both the American Cowboy and the American Indian. 

 He married Mildred (Millie) Sanders on May 28, 1965 and in 1972, they moved to Mann Creek where they ranched for 46 years. He also served as the water master for the Mann Creek Reservoir for many years.  

 His practiced outlook on life was a simple one, learned while trying to maneuver farm equipment through an opening of similar size; stand back far enough to see the whole gate, aim for the middle and never look back.  

 Jim became a craftsman of many skills, including poetry, art, and all things Western. He was a kind man, very matter-of-fact and quick to help others in need.  If you knew him for a day, you knew him for life. He relished his morning coffee with friends and equally enjoyed his evening drives alone to contemplate life and be one with nature. He cherished big game hunts with pack horses and friends, and loved classical music.  He truly was a paradox.

 He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Millie; two daughters, whom he called the Stars of My Show, Virginia (John) Hickey of Fruitland, Idaho and Tamara (Marc) Bybee of Nyssa, Oregon; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; a brother, Don (Ellen) Brown; two sisters Norma (Joe) Randall and Nancy (Bob) Fogg; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

 He is preceded in death by his parents and a great-grandson, Oliver Jackson Berdowski.

 A special thank you to Abby and Sonya of Heart ‘n Home Hospice for your incredibly compassionate care for our dad during his final weeks.  

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Heart ‘n Home Hospice or the Veterans Advocates of Ore-Ida.

 A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Saling Schoolhouse on Jackson Road in Weiser, Idaho.