Rocky Hill Obituary: James Brown, 73

James A. Brown, 73, of Lyme, passed away on August 31, 2016 with his family at his side following an eight month battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Rocky Hill, Jim was the son of the late Walter and Valetta Brown and brother of the late Joyce Burrill.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Lyn (Smith) Brown, daughter Heather and her husband Craig Watchmaker of New Canaan, and son Craig Brown of Cromwell. Jim was the proud grandfather of Sydney and Sean Watchmaker and Skyler and Devin Brown and spending time with them was one of his greatest joys.

Jim worked after school from the age of 15 and owned his first business by the age of 21. He was honored with being acknowledged as “The Youngest Businessman in Wethersfield, CT”. After that he owned many businesses over the years. He soon found out that his greatest love was building. Jim built their first family home in South Glastonbury, as well as the house that he and Lyn have resided in for the past 24 years in Lyme. Jim also helped both his children with remodeling and landscaping their first homes. Jim’s last project was building the “Gateway Plaza” in Newington on the Berlin Turnpike.

Jim had a very special gift with people and formed an instant connection with everyone he met. He was always giving of himself to others and sponsored a fundraiser for the past 14 years in Newington in memory of a fallen officer.

Jim was full of energy and always up for adventure which led him to finding his latest passion of skydiving at the age of 72. Jim had a great love of flowers and took great pride in planting thousands of them at his homes and businesses.

Jim’s love of life, sense of humor and generosity will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday (September 13, 2016) 11 AM at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm St. Rocky Hill. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Monday (September 12, 2016) from 6 to 8 PM.

For online condolences please visit www.rosehillfuneralhomes.com.