James E. Brown, 85 A memorial service was held on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, at 6 p.m. at   Grace Lutheran Church, Grafton, for James E. Brown, of Grafton, who   died peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at age 85, after a long and   happy life. Memorials to the American Lung Association or to Grace Lutheran   Church are appreciated. Mueller Funeral Home & Crematory of Grafton is assisting the family.   Online condolences may be sent by visiting  www.muellerfuneralhome.com. Jim was born on May 31, 1926, to Laura and Elton Brown. He grew up   along the Milwaukee River, which he always considered his "own." He graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee in January of   1944, where he had been an accomplished swimmer, diver and track star. Jim joined the U.S. Navy on June 13, 1944, and was stationed on the   island of Ulithia during the later stages of World War II.  After his   tour of duty, which ended June 27, 1946, he went on to become an   active member of the Elm Grove American Legion. Jim paved his own way to college – he attended the Milwaukee School   of Engineering (MSOE) – by participating in the Turners, a well-known   tumbling and trampolining troupe. Between competitions, he managed to   earn his Bachelor’s of Science degree in electrical engineering and   graduated in 1952. He spent many years as an electrical engineer, but his real passions   in life were hitting the golf course with his buddies, cheering on   his favorite Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, spoiling his   favorite kitty, Fancy, and spending time with his treasured family. He was loved beyond belief and is survived by his dear wife, Kathy   (nee Monson); his two cherished daughters, Gwen (Rodney) Downing and   Gail (the late Bruce) Corrigan; and his grandchildren, Christy   Corrigan, Carla Corrigan, Leigh Downing and Frank Downing – of whom   he was ever proud. He is further survived by his step-children,   Michael (Lisa) O’Dell and Kelly O’Dell; five step-grandchildren; five   step-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.