James Anson Brown

James Anson Brown was born April 29, 1935, at home in Austin, Minn., to Clelle and Viva (Coudding) Brown.  He grew up and was educated in Austin.  He graduated from Austin High School in 1953. From 1955-57 he served in the U.S. Army. Part of that time he was stationed in Germany with the 10th Infantry Division. He also served in the S.D. National Guard from 1962-63.

 Because of his love for the great outdoors, he always wanted to be a forester. In 1961 he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in forestry.  When at college Jim met Karen Johnson. They were married June 10, 1960.

 In 1961 he got a job with the South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks in Custer as a District Forester. When Jim and Karen got to Custer they bought 76 acres west of town. Part of the 76 acres was used to build Big Pine Campground which opened June 13, 1964. 

From 1966-67 he was very proud to be the Chief Ranger for the Oglala Sioux Ranger Corp. at Pine Ridge. He trained 20 Rangers in forestry, wildlife management and search and rescue, among many other responsibilities. In 1967 they moved the family to Alamosa, Colo. Jim accepted a job with the Colorado State Forest Service as District Forester. In 1971 the family moved to Leadville, Colo. Jim took a job with the Climax Molybdenum Co. as chief of environmental control. Climax was the largest basic metal producer in the world. 

In 1976 Jim became director of reclamation for the North American Coal Co. in Bismarck, N.D. In 1984 Jim and Karen moved back to Custer to open Dakota Trading Post. They sold it in 1988. 

Jim was a life-time member of the NRA, VFW and American Legion. 

He loved his family and his friends. He was a very prolific writer. Hunting and fishing were two of his favorite pastimes.  At age 5 he saw his first Gene Autry Western and became a huge fan. He knew the dialogue and songs to all of his Westerns.  Jim was a man who never had an unexpressed thought.

On Monday, March 29, 2010, Jim died at his home surrounded by his family. He was 74 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judy. 

Survivors include his wife, Karen Brown of Custer; daughters, Kathy Wrangham of Grand Forks, N.D.; Molly Brown of Cottage Grove, Minn.; a son, Davis Anson Brown of Pierre, S.D.; one grandson; two granddaughters; three sisters, Dixie (Bud) Mytten of Wabasha, Minn., Betty Mather of Coon Rapids, Minn., Jerry (Jess) Bootenhoff of Rosharon, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

 There will be a memorial service at a later date.

 Memorials in Jim’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.

Written condolences may be made to www.mccolleyschapels.com.