James "Jimmy" Brown

James "Jimmy" Brown, 49, of La Grande, died July 17 in a motorcycle accident.

Services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St. in La Grande. A private celebration will be held at a later date.

James was born May 17, 1960, to J.J. "Jiggs" and Charlotte Brown in La Grande, the eldest of four sons. Jimmy became a father late in life and those who knew him say his two children, Brianna, 4, and Cody, 2, were the love and light of his life.

Jimmy was a local businessman who opened up employment opportunities for many aspiring young workers. He loved the great outdoors and excelled at water skiing and snow skiing, fishing and hunting. Jimmy was very involved in his community and was a worker and supporter of Celebrate La Grande, where he handled all the music and entertainment at Max Square.

He is survived by his mother, Charlotte, and her longtime partner, John Williams; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stephen and Darilyn and Van and Tina; grandmother, Dottie Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents and a brother, Gregory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Celebrate La Grande in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel.

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