James Allen Brown

James Allen Brown, 89, of Powell, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 20, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, to Charles and Ruth (Priest) Brown, Jim graduated from Linden McKinley High School in 1955 and served seven years in the National Guard. He worked as a cartographer for the State of Ohio for more than 30 years.

In 1957, he married the love of his life, Anna Louise Grubbs, at the First Baptist Church in Delaware, Ohio, where they had met and remained active members for over 70 years. A man of deep faith, Jim taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, and guided a healing prayer group. He was also a talented artist whose oil paintings grace the homes of many family members and friends. His kindness was matched only by his wonderful sense of humor, and he was beloved for his jokes and storytelling. Humble and gentle throughout his life, Jim enjoyed fishing, reading, antiquing, and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes. Above all, he was proud of his family and cherished every moment spent with them, especially his great-grandchildren, who adored him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Anna; son Chuck (Ying-Hsuan Lee) Brown; daughters Liz (Bruce) Bowman and Krissy Brown (Jay Murphy); grandchildren Emily Bowman, Sarah (Tyler) Levings, Austin Davis (Faith Dakin), and Samantha (Gavin) Livingstone; great-grandchildren Harper, Mia, Gatlin, Odin, Kaylin, Koltin, and Stella; sisters Carol Grubbs and Donna Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother Donald Brown, sister Jeannie Stephenson, niece Teresa Griffith, and great-nephew Nicholas Haycox.