James Russell “Jim” Brown, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Franciscan Health Indianapolis.
He was born on May 7, 1940, in Shelbyville, the son of Warren Mathew and Blanche (Pitts) Brown. On June 16, 1962, he married Linda L. Bonner, and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2023.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Hastings and husband, Floyd, of Shelbyville; sons, Byron “Jay” Brown and wife, Ann Elise, and Jason Eric Brown and wife, Kimberly, both of Shelbyville; sister-in-law, Nancy Brown of Shelbyville; brother, Steven Brown and wife, Candace, of Fort Myers, Florida; grandchildren, Brook Ashley Hastings, Tyler Allen Combs, Trevor Jameson Combs and wife, Kyla, Chase Cooper Brown, Olivia Rachelle Cash and husband, Gabriel Patrick, Brayton Michael Phelps, Hunter Nathaniel Phelps, Carson Mathew Phelps, Gage Noah Phelps, Jameson Parker Brown, Lochlan Joseph Brown and Adelyn Rose Brown; great-grandchildren, Hudson Jameson Combs, JoElla Kae Phelps and Delilah Faye Phelps; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to Linda, Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Phillip Brown; and brother-in-law, Dennis Bonner.
Jim graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1958, and attended Indiana University.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Jim retired from General Motors Indiana Truck and Bus Indianapolis, with 30 years of service. After retirement, he became the GIS Coordinator for Shelby County for 30 years. He celebrated his retirement with a party on May 14, 2026.
He served in the Indiana National Guard.
Jim was a member of the Morristown Lions Club, Shelby F.O.P. Lodge 84, and Shelby Lodge No. 28 F&AM.
He enjoyed living on the farm. Jim loved his family and the time he spent attending their activities.
Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St.
Masonic services will be at 1 pm, Tuesday, with the funeral service to follow. Rev. Bill Horner will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 34 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Online condolences may be shared with Jim’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
