Jim Brown

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James “Jim” Brown, of Gettysburg, missed the age 78 by two days, passed away Friday, September 16, 2022, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 23, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg, with Father Brian Simon presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 22, 2022, at the church with visitation one-hour prior.

Jim was born September 18, 1944, in Pierre, SD to James E. and Shirley (Gidley) Brown. He received his high school education from Gettysburg, graduating in 1962. Jim furthered his education at SDSU in Brookings, where he received his bachelor’s in agriculture and economics in 1966.

While attending SDSU, Jim met his future bride, Judith “Judy” Zortman, while she was there attending the College of Pharmacy. On November 6, 1965, they were united in marriage and moved to Watertown upon her graduation.

While living in Watertown, Jim started with IMC Ag company. They later moved to Conde where Jim started P & T Farm service. In 1973, Jim and Judy returned to Gettysburg, taking over the farm operations from Jim’s father. 1982 led to additional agriculture services, when Jim and his brother Ken started Brown’s Insurance and Commodities. This business gave Jim the start of what led to many successful and honest businesses for the family throughout South Dakota. Jim was a farmer and a good one at that. Friends and fellow agriculturists came to him for advice, as he was highly trusted.

Jim’s faith was strong and just as important to him as his family. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church in Gettysburg. His strong work ethic equaled his strength in his faith. Jim’s world revolved around his grandchildren. They brought him so much joy. He loved following them in every sporting event imaginable, never missing an event unless his health didn’t allow. Nothing lit up his face or put a twinkle in his eyes like those kiddos. He had a true love for all children and helped mentor and raise a few besides his own. He was also an extreme Battler Fan! A true pillar of the community.

Jim’s life will always be treasured by his wife, Judy; children: Mike (Kerrie) Brown, Melissa (Danny) Meinke, and Reece (JoLinda) Brown; grandchildren: Mikenna Brown, Shad and Seth Sharp, Bishop and Zoe Meinke, and Boston and Rowan Brown; great grandchildren: Nova Meinke and Stevie Snow; his beloved dog, Buster; brother, Ken (Lynn) Brown; sisters: Shiralee (Don) Salverson, Eugene, OR and Julie (Doug) Holmberg, Norfolk, NE; nieces and nephews: Corey (Karen) Brown, Christie (Omar) Brown-Munoz, Ryan (Brooke) Brown, Kelsey (Shaun) Swick, David Salverson, Adam (Billie) Holmberg, and Aaron (Michelle) Holmberg; sister-in-law: Janice (Dave) Hill, Crystal Lake, IL; brothers-in-law: James (Kathy) Zortman, North Sioux City, NE, John (Kim) Zortman, Goodyear, AZ, and Jim Stopek, Lincoln, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Coleeta; and sister-in-law, Lari Stopek.

Memorials may be directed to Avera Gettysburg Hospital, 606 E Garfield Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442, Potter County Booster Club, 105 N Harrison, Gettysburg, SD 57442, or Dougherty Hospice House, 4509 Prince of Peace Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57117.

The family would like to thank our local hospital for the patience and amazing care provided during his time there. Also, Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls for their attentiveness and kindness and lastly, Dougherty Hospice House. You eased the pain of this incredibly difficult time with your immediate care, kindness, and faith shown to each one of us, not just Dad!

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Jim’s arrangements.