James P. Brown

Longtime East Longmeadow and Longmeadow resident Dr. James P. Brown, 93, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Life Care Center of Wilbraham. Born in Springfield, to the late James and Anna (Sullivan) Brown, he served proudly in the US Navy aboard the USS Macon during the Korean War. He attended Springfield schools and was a graduate of American International College. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery, DDS from the University of Maryland and was in private practice for more than 50 years in East Longmeadow and Longmeadow. He was proud to be Dentist to the Dominican Nuns for most of his career. He was a faithful communicant of St. Michael’s Church in East Longmeadow and was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club, serving as “King Lion” in the early 70’s. An avid golfer, Jim was also an award-winning artist, best known for his oil and watercolor paintings. He participated in Recordings for the Blind, reading the daily newspaper for the sight impaired. He was also a member of the East Longmeadow School Committee from 1976 – 1981, serving as its Charman in 1979. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife Muriel (Ryan) Brown in 1973, and Mary (Woods) Conway Brown in 2008, son Kevin J. Brown in 1983, daughter Karen A. Craven in 2006, as well as siblings; William Brown, Atty. Richard Brown, and Anne O’Donnell. He is survived by his beloved daughters; Kathleen Day (Stephen) of Oakland, ME, Maryellen Jodoin (Donald) of Bedford, NH, Margaret Gilligan (Paul) of Nashua, NH, Christine Rybacki (Stephen) of East Longmeadow, Colleen Cunningham of Deland, FL, son-in-law Richard Craven of East Longmeadow, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jim’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Life Care Center of Wilbraham for their compassionate care. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 24th from 1-4PM at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Family and friends may meet for Jim’s Funeral Mass on Monday, March 25th at 11AM at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow. Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at 1PM at MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to charities close to Jim’s heart - the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718; the Alzheimer’s Assn., 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or to Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc. One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.