Dr. Hugh James Brown, Ph.D.

BROWN, Hugh James, Ph.D., went home to be with his Lord on January 23, 2020. Dr. Brown was born April 5, 1928, in White Plains, New York, the son of John J. Brown Sr. and Olive Rose Hopper Brown. He was a Kalamazoo area resident for over 50 years and also spent 15 years as a resident of Bonita Springs, Florida. Hugh was so many things to so many people: a loving and dedicated husband of 62 years; a world-class parent with his wife, Patricia, to seven children; a community leader with a legacy of service in the church and on numerous boards and associations; and a founding member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Portage, Michigan. Dr. Brown served in the US Navy during WWII on the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea and was a part of the historic Operation Highjump at the South Pole. Upon returning and earning a bachelor's degree from Iona College, Dr. Brown began working for the Upjohn Company in New York City. After moving to Kalamazoo, he earned a master's degree from WMU and a Ph.D. in Organizational Development from Walden University. He rose in position and became the International Director of Organizational Development, traveling the world to teach and conduct seminars for leaders. Dr. Brown also taught for Hillsdale College and Texas Women's University, and he was the recipient of the prestigious William E. Upjohn Award (1973). Dr. Brown enjoyed softball, golf, billiards, singing in the church choir and with SPEBSQSA barbershop groups, and lived a full and vibrant life knowing full well the love of his family and friends. Dr. Brown leaves a legacy of his gift of kindness and generosity to all who knew and loved him. Surviving are his children and spouses, Kathryn Brown, Dale Posthumus, Erin Brown, Timothy Brown, Julie Cook Brown, Thomas Brown, Tammie Brown, Meaghan Brown, Kerrie Berends, Howard Berends, Deborah Brown McKinney, and Bill McKinney; his 36 grandchildren; seven plus one on the way great grandchildren; and many loving family members coast to coast. He is preceded in death by his brothers John (Jack) and Bruce; his wife, Patricia; and his son, Kevin Brown. In accordance with Hugh's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 29, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W Centre Avenue, Portage, where a Memorial Mass will also be celebrated on January 29, 2020, at 11:00 AM with Monsignor Michael Hazard presiding, assisted by Father Albert Kemboi. Following the celebration, Dr. Brown and his wife Patricia will be inurned together at Fort Custer National Cemetery with full military honors at 2:30 PM. The public is welcome. Please arrive by 2:15 PM at 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, 49012. Donations in Dr. Brown's memory may be made to the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan (see Donations addresses below). Please visit Dr. Brown's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com.