James J. "Jim" Brown

James J. “Jim” Brown, 75, of Peosta, Iowa passed away suddenly on January 8, 2019 at Mercy  Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 14th, 2019 at Holy Family Church, New Melleray with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 6:45 p.m.

Jim was born on November 24, 1943 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Bernard and Violet (Burkart) Brown.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1962 and married Patricia “Pat” Welu on November 8, 1969 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Jim served in the US Army from April 1965 until March of 1967. He earned rank of Specialist 4th Class; he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska where he conducted test on ammunitions.

In 1971 he completed his apprenticeship training in the trade of plumbing. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked as a plumber for 35 years with MMC Mechanical. While working as a plumber he also crop farmed and milked dairy cattle for 40 years on the family farm outside of Dubuque.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed fishing, going for motorcycle rides, winning at the casino and working outside especially in his yard. He volunteered his talents at the National Mississippi river Museum and the Dubuque County Fair Association. Jim was awarded Volunteer of the Year and Friend of the Fair from the Dubuque County Fair Association. Jim was a family man that was supportive in every way possible. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia; his daughters Ann (Steve) Schuster and Beth (Matthew) Oberhoffer; his sister Mary Kay (Bill) Abbott; brother-in-law John “Jack” Welu; and sister-in-law Betty Welu. Jim is also survived by his seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren with one arriving in March along with many nieces, nephews and three Godchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Violet; father and mother-in-law Edward and Loras Welu; two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

The family would like to thank Epworth Fire and EMS, Dubuque County Sherriff Department and the excellent caring medical staff at Mercy Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers a James Brown memorial fund will be established in his memory.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.