James Keith Brown

James Keith Brown of Ridgecrest passed on November 2, 2018 at home surrounded by his wife and loving family.  Jim was born on November 26, 1927 in Oak Grove, LA., the son of John Calvin Brown and Sarah Addie Doss.  After graduating High School, he joined the US Navy and served his country aboard ship.  After his discharge in 1947 he and a friend traveled to California.  They arrived at Naval Ordnance Test Station (N.O.T.S.) in February 1947 and began his employment in the carpenter shop at the Pilot Plant and later worked as an Engineering Technician.

Jim met Jean Canada on a blind date and they were married at 1001 Lauritsen at N.O.T.S. at Jean's parents' home on September 21, 1947.  During this marriage they had two daughters, Cindy and Debby.

Jim retired from the base in 1974 and at that time he owned JB Western Wear on Ridgecrest Blvd., he sold that business and retired once again.  Having built homes for his family, he started JB Homes, Inc with business partner Jeff Jacobs in 2003 and began building numerous homes in College Heights, and the Estates.  The last homes he built were in 2018 at the age of 90 and he once again retired.

Jim also loved to sing and he became a Square Dance caller recording his talent with Rawhide Records. He started a local square dance club, the Jim Dandies Dancers and was also a featured caller at Disneyland.  He and Jean traveled to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia as a guest caller and also traveled in their motorhome touring 28 states as a guest caller for various square dance clubs.

Jim's first love was his family.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He loved fishing Crowley Lake and traveling to Utah for 50 years deer hunting.

He was an active member of the BPOE Elks Lodge #1913 and used his many carpenter talents to update numerous areas of the Lodge.

Jim is survived by his wife Jean of 71 years, daughters Cindy Meagher (Vince) of Fresno, Debby Brickey (Bill) of Ridgecrest.

Granddaughters-Tammy Henley (Todd) of Fresno, Staci Broadwater (Eric) of Fresno, Jamie Powell (Mike) of Ridgecrest

Grandson-Doug Meagher of Fresno

Great Grandchildren-Bryce, Bailey, Sarah, Brooklyn, Kyle, Paige and Fallynne.

Jim is also survived by five nieces and 3 nephews residing in Iowa, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.

Jim was proceeded in death by his five sisters, one brother, two nieces and two nephews.

Services will be at the Elks Lodge, 201 E. Church St. on Saturday November 10 ^th at 11:00am.  Reception to follow at the lodge.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to Ridgecrest Relay for Life as Jim was a devoted member of the Ole9Toes Team.