James M. "Jim" Brown, age 62, died on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Ellen and Peter Johnson HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He was born in Ironton, Wisconsin on May 28, 1946 to Merl O. Brown and Opal Brown at the family farmhouse. Jim was district manager for Mazda Motors of America until his failing eyesight cut his career short. Thanks to a loan from the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, he was able to start his own business, known as Badger Carpet Cleaning and Badger In-Home Service. He enjoyed talking to people and made many friends from his customers over the years. Jim enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping with his family and especially his grandchildren. He sponsored many sports teams that his grandchildren participated in and loved watching them play. Jim was especially proud to watch his son become a Marine at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, in 2008, and was always greatful to his son Nathan and his wife, Jennifer, for many years of help whenever needed. Bob Pailing and Michelle Plescia were his employees, but also his friends and he appreciated their many years of service. He is survived by two sons, Nathan (Jennifer) Brown of Mazomanie and Lance Corporal Thomas Brown, USMC, of San Diego, CA; the light of his life, two special grandchildren, Lexie and Camden Brown; his former wife, Mary (McGann) Brown of Madison; two brothers, William (Arlene) Brown of Reedsburg and Donald (Betty) Brown of Arkansas; a sister, JoAnn Klein of Waukesha; a sister-in-law, Jan Brown of Reedsburg; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers, Robert, Ervin, Vivian and Frances Brown. A visitation will be held at HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Highway 14 West, Mazomanie, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2009. A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Wisconsin Council of the Blind, 754 Williamson, Madison, WI 53703 or HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Special thanks to Ruthann, John and Toni from HospiceCare; and Henry on the cardiac floor at UW Hospital for making his final days as comfortable as possible.