James George Brown

May 30, 1933 - February 3, 2011
James George Brown

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James G. Brown (Brownie) died Wednesday, February 3, 2011. Jim or Brownie, as he was known to many close friends and family members, lived most of his life in Cumberland, Maryland before he and his wife relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina in 2007.

Mr. Brown was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1933. After a tragic accident took the life of his father and stepmother in 1942, he went to Cumberland, Maryland to live with his paternal grandmother. He graduated from Fort Hill High School in 1952. In 1954, Brownie married the love of his life, Sandra Louise Alburtis. Brownie and Sandy raised three daughters and lived many happy years together in the “Queen City.” He was employed at Kelly Springfield Tire Company for many years, where he was an active union representative and a department chairman. He was proud to work with many fine people there and of the work they did.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Sandra Brown of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Jane Brown Pannone of Leonardtown, MD; daughter and son-in-law, Lonny and Rick Watro, of Short Gap, WV; daughter, Beth Brown, of Wilmington, NC; sister, Carol Kelley of Boiling Springs, PA, two granddaughters, Katie Kwiatkowski and Sarah Gallagher, both of Leonardtown, MD; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Brownie always looked for the best in people. He loved life, his wife, his family, and his many good friends. He is already and forever will be, missed by all.

A memorial service is being planned to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any Hospice Care Center.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • February 06, 2011
    barband bob coates says:
    sandy, jane, lonnie, and beth, and katie and sarah, bob and i both want to say how sorry for the loss of your husband, dad, and grandfather, we are thinking about you all, so take care and talk soon. barb

  • February 09, 2011
    Linda Celet Bane says:
    Dear Lonny, I was so sorry to hear about your dad's death. I know how difficult the death of a parent is. I hope that you and your family will find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of him. From reading about your father and mother and their life together, I can see that they were important in forming the kind and generous woman you've become. I am sure he was and your mom is as proud of you as you are of them. I'm sorry to send an e-mail message, but I wasn't able to locate your present address. Deepest sympathy, Linda Bane

  • February 07, 2011
    Rosele & David Watro says:
    Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family at this time.

  • February 07, 2011
    wayne fleegle says:
    I worked with Jim at the kelly plant. I have a lot of gook memories of those days. So sorry for your lose. Wayne Fleegle

  • February 06, 2011
    Dolores Brooks says:
    Sandy, No wonder that I couldn't get you on the phone. Been thinking about you.Take care of your self My thoughts & prayers for the whole family.