James L.O. “Jim” Brown, 90, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Saturday morning, November 4, 2023, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 2 P.M., Friday, November 10, 2023, at South Mineral Cemetery, rural Onslow, Iowa.  Visitation will be held prior to the graveside service from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

James Lee Otis Brown was born on November 18, 1932 in Freeport, Illinois, to John Andrew and Charlotte Belle (Wild) Brown.  He married Judy Amanda Eye on November 12, 1960 in Dubuque, Iowa.  She preceded him in death on August 1, 2018.

Jim was a dedicated worker, spending over 20 years at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa and then another 20 years as a machinist at Caterpillar in Mt. Joy until his retirement. His work ethic was admirable, and he instilled the same values in his children and grandchildren.

Outside of work, Jim had a passion for anything with an engine. He enjoyed doing electrical work and working on cars, trucks, and boats. His hands were rarely still, always tinkering, fixing, or improving something. His love for mechanics was only surpassed by his love for music. Jim and his son Dwayne were part of a band called the Midwestern Country Swingers for many years. He found great joy in strumming the guitar and singing, bringing happiness to those around him with his music.

Those left to honor his memory include his sons, Dwayne (and girlfriend Tanya Ruff) Brown of Maquoketa, IA, and Michael Brown of Maquoketa, IA; 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Brian Keeney of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Mary Clark of Dubuque, IA, JoAnn (Bill) Larson of Maquoketa, IA, and Fred (Tomi) Nielsen of Clinton, IA; and a sister-in-law, Peggy Miller of Maquoketa, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy, daughter Pamela Lynn Keeney, granddaughter Alexandra Michelle Brown, and siblings Vivian Rupp, Clement Brown, and Clayton Brown.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.