Obituary of Phillip James Brown

Jim was born in Edmonton Alberta on May 12, 1958 To Robert and Phyllis Brown. Jim is survived by his partner Sharon MacLean, his daughter Jessica Reed, his two sons Joel Brown and Justin O'Hara, his brothers (Robert and Allan), his sister (Jeannie) and his mother (Phyllis). He is loved by his family of Chad and Nadean Yates, Bernie and Manny Kanwal and his grandchildren, Wyatt, Shaelynn & Jayda Yates, Kerstyn & Brodie Kanwal and Peyton Reed. Jim grew up on a farm just outside Entwistle and began working for his father in the oil patch at the age of 15. During his early years he worked many different facets of the oil patch, from drilling to truck driving and heavy equipment. He later worked on a ranch in Southern BC where he learned his love of animals and ranching. In 1994 he met Sharon at a Baptist revival. Jim, Joel and Sharon became a family that year residing in Entwistle and later endeavored to set out to buy a ranch. They travelled across BC from Williams Lake to the coast, up to Prince George and then north to Chetwynd where they conveniently met Bernice White (in the drug store of all places) who directed them to Gordon Nikirk. In April of 1995 Sharon, Jim and Joel found their new home in Lone Prairie. Within the next couple of weeks, Jim had moved onto the ranch and started taking down old buildings and trying to get rid of the pack rats in the house. Jim never liked being on the ranch alone and so Ed and Reg Ducette invited him to stay at their home. Joel come to Chetwynd when school was out in June and later Sharon joined him in July after she got a position with the Ministry of Children and Families. Jim worked for Peace Country driving plow truck for the first couple of years. Jim, Sharon and Joel continued to build the ranch where they spent hours together fencing, working and clearing the land. Christmas always presented an opportunity for Jim and Sharon to draft their friends and family in helping to put an addition on the house or build a barn in (at least)60 below weather using only a pencil, a napkin and a couple of whiskey shots to draw the plans. Jim and Sharon became foster parents in 1998 and over the years he helped to support and guide over 40 children who lived with them during the next 14 years of fostering. Many of the children became close to Jim and looked to him as a grandfather and comrade. Jim was a Christian man who cherished his family and the time they spend together (especially Christmas).. He constantly told them how much he loved them, and was forever hugging, squishing, whisker rubbing, shaking and smooching them. (even the boys) He had hugs for anyone and everyone who wanted or didn't want one. Jim was a very loving person as I am sure many of you can attest, always having time to help others regardless of what needed to be done at home. He was kind, gentle and had a heart as big as the world. Jim loved to spend time riding horses, dancing, fishing, camping and spend time telling many elaborate stories to whomever would listen over a good cup of "coffee" or whisky and whatever sweets were hidden in the house. When it came to Jim's stories, there was never a shortage of laughter. If there was only one word to describe JIM it would be "LOVE". Jim passed away on Friday, November 11, 2011 in Lone Prairie, B.C. at the age of 53 years. A funeral service was held on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church, Pastor Bill Evans officiated, interment will be at a later date. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.