James F. Brown

James F. Brown was born on 1 January 1922 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a Lieutenant in the Army Air Force in 1943, he completed 35 combat missions (including D-Day) as a B-17 Navigator with the 'HELLS ANGELS' 303rd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. He was highly decorated, receiving 25 military decorations during his 32 years of service in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Brown was promoted to Permanent Full Colonel in 1968. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 as the Director of Accounting and Finance for the Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs. Brown graduated Marquette in '49 (BA) and Michigan State in '62 (MBA). He was an Adjunct Professor of Accounting at Regis for 20 years and a Business Consultant. Brown's passion was singing and playing the piano, notorious for entertaining friends and family during gatherings. His zeal for life and his love for his family were the treasures of his heart and soul. On 27 March 2011, at age 89, Col. Brown passed into glory and is now entertaining his Maker and heavenly family! He is a hero beyond measure, and he has left a legacy to all who knew and loved him. Col. Brown is survived by his five children, James Brown, Thomas Brown, Debbie Mendiola, Peggy Lindemuth and Christine Jensen; their spouses; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. The Funeral Service is being held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 North Carefree Circle, in Colorado Springs on Friday, 8 April. The Viewing will be held at 10:00 A.M., with a Mass at 11:00 A.M. Please share your memories of Col. Brown and condolences with his family by selecting the ""sign guestbook"" button below. A TRIBUTE TO OUR DAD - OUR HERO! Our Dad joined the Army Air Corp in 1942, As a patriotic and adventurous young lad, His role was a Navigator on B-17's, The 303rd, 8th Air Force in England was his 'pad.' Better known as the 'Flying Fortress' The B-17 withstood the ravages of war. This Boeing aircraft was built to sustain The young crews in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Our Dad flew 33 missions that made an enormous impact, Entailing fearless bravery, bombing targets that were exact. D-Day prevailed and the war was won, they fought to victory! WWII and all our heroes had all made history! In August of '44 it was time to settle down To a gal named Terry Ann. A fine young man and a fine young woman, To marry, oh, what a wonderful plan! Baby after baby, my parents raised 6 children with much joy. My mom and dad loved us dearly, and were blessed with each little girl & boy. Jim and Tom, Debbie and Peggy, Tina and Patrice, Goodness gracious, how did my Mom and Dad EVER find any peace? With an Air Force career of 30 plus years, As a Colonel my Dad did retire. A new career would start again, Teaching would become his new heartïéé½s desire. It was off to Guam for ROTC, Then to Oshkosh at UWO. And finally, a place of 'residence', In the Rocky Mountains of Colorado! He taught at Regis University, Accounting was his knack. Doing taxes and business consulting, and keeping his clients on track. Dad made sure there was time for vacations, booking reservations for two. Mom and Dad traveled afar, over many wide oceans of blue. Generosity, love, and humor, Dad had such a zeal for life! His warmth and caring spirit Were spent 56 years with his loving wife. With a song in his heart and a dance in his step, He loved playing the piano with, oh, so much pep! A Hawaiian ukulele would be played string by string, He would harmonize with mom, and what joy this would bring! Dad could play a shark game of cards Or play chess like a champ and with style. But his passion was giving to charities worldwide, Writing checks to each all stacked up in a pile. In the past ten years since Mom has been gone, Dad stayed busy, steadfast, enduring and strong. He sang with a group, played Bridge, took a trip here and there. Living his life for his family - always giving his love and tender care. Dad's sacrifice, bravery and courage, led America into the country we are. A lover of life, a father of wisdom, he is a 'bright shining star!' He is a hero in our eyes and will always be our 'Daddy Dear'. His legacy will live in our hearts forever, and his spirit will always remain so near. With this amazing legacy our Dad has left, His soul is now put to rest. His memory and love will live in each of us Because our Dad was just simply the BEST!! Written by Peggy Brown Lindemuth Edited by James R. Brown