James R. "Chief" Brown

     James R. Brown "Chief", age 66, of Lake City, MI, formerly of Ovid, MI, passed away Sunday, July 3, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, on Sunday, July 10, 2022, 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Fr. Anthony Brooks presiding.  A Fireman's dedication will follow with Pastor Phil Vandop officiating.  Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI.  Visitation will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. and on Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

     James was born in St. Johns, Michigan on November 14, 1955, the son of Ronald M. and Phyllis M. (Lohrer) Brown.  Jim graduated from Ovid Elsie High School with the class of 1974.  After graduation he attended fire school and EMT school through Clinton County graduating in 1979.  He married Joan E. Carr on September 14, 1974, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ovid, MI. 

     Jim joined the Ovid-Middlebury Fire Department in 1979, became chief in 1993 and retired as chief in 2012.  After retirement Jim and Joan moved to Lake City, MI where he joined Lake Missaukee Fire in 2013 "just to drive the tanker".  He became assistant chief with Lake Missaukee in 2015 and chief in 2018.  Jim remained chief until his passing.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and splitting & selling firewood.  He also liked to dune buggy, go camping, and spending time around the campfire.  Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

     He is survived by his wife Joan Brown of Lake City, MI; son Eric and Julie Brown of Ovid, MI; daughter Rachel Ferris and Roger Miller of Crystal, MI; and his grandchildren: Connor, Nathan, Hoyt, and Paige.  He is also survived by his best friend, his dog, Jeffery.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry Tejkl.

     Memorials may be made to Ovid Fire Fighters Association or Lake Missaukee Fire Fighters Association.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.