James Anson Brown, 74, of Custer, SD, died Monday, March 29, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born April 29, 1935 at home in Austin, MN to Clelle and Viva (Coudding) Brown. He grew up and was educated in Austin. He graduated from Austin High School in 1953.

From 1955 through 1957 he served in the U.S. Army. Part of that time he was stationed in Germany. He also served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1962 through 1963.

Because of his love for the great outdoors, he always wanted to be a forester. In 1961 he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in forestry. When at college Jim met his wife to be, Karen Johnson. They were married on June 10, 1960.

In 1961 he got a job with the South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks in Custer as a District Forester. When Jim and Karen got to Custer they bought 76 acres west of town. Part of the 76 acres was used to build Big Pine Campground which opened on June 13, 1964.

From 1966 through 1967 he was very proud to be the Chief Ranger for the Oglala Sioux Ranger Corp. at Pine Ridge. He trained 20 rangers in forestry, wildlife management and search and rescue among many other responsibilities. In 1967 they moved the family to Alamosa, CO. Jim accepted a job with the Colorado State Forest Service as district forester. In 1971 the family moved to Leadville, CO. Jim took a job with the Climax Molybdenum Company as Chief of Environmental Control. Climax was the largest basic metal producer in the world.

1976 saw yet another job change as Director of Reclamation for the North American Coal Company in Bismarck, ND. In 1984 Jim and Karen moved back to Custer to open the Dakota Trading Post. They sold it in 1988 and it became the Dakota Territory Trading Post.

Jim was a life time member of the NRA, VFW and American Legion.

Jim loved his family and his friends. He was a very prolific writer. Hunting and fishing were two of his favorite pastimes. At age 5 he saw his first Gene Autry western and became a huge fan. He knew the dialogue and songs to all of his westerns.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen Brown of Custer; daughters, Kathy Wrangham of Grand Forks, ND; Molly Brown of Cottage Grove, MN; son, David Anson Brown of Pierre, SD; grandson, Jesse Wrangham of Grand Forks, ND; granddaughters, Shawna Wrangham of Bismarck, ND; Haley Brown of Cottage Grove, MN; sisters, Dixie (Bud) Mytten of Wabasha, MN; Betty Mather of Coon Rapids, MN; Jerry (Jess) Bootenhoff of Rosharon, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judy.

Jim was a man who never had an unexpressed thought.

There will be a memorial service held at a later date.

Memorials in Jim's name may be made to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made to www.mccolleyschapels.com.