James Van Brown's Obituary
James Van Brown
April 23,1973 – May 30, 2025
James V. Brown, 52, devoted husband and father of three strong women, passed away on May 30, 2025. After a long and private struggle with his mental health, he took his own life. His loss leaves behind questions, grief, and a silence as loud as his presence once was.
While the number of people he considered as friends and family were few, their value to him was immeasurable. He enjoyed spending time with friends over billiard games or on the golf course. With family he would joke, wrestle, play games, and teach lessons on survival while enjoying the outdoors together. No matter the time or distance from any of those moments, he remembered them fondly.
James was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan since Joe Montana’s move there, and passionate follower of the game of football since playing in high school. His spirited commentary during every season, or while playing Madden games, will be remembered by all who watched or played alongside him.
James was intensely private, confident on the surface, deeply loyal, and often stubborn to a fault. His presence filled every room he entered, he could test your patience with his certainty, surprise you with his loyalty. He lived life on his terms: boldly, and without apology. Those qualities, for better or worse, defined his relationships with others and shaped his path. He was complicated, unforgettable, and deeply loved.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Brown; his daughter Victoria Cogburn and her husband Travis; their son Asher Cogburn; his daughter Alanna Brown and her partner Jared Jones; and his daughter Nicole Brown and her sons, Amias and Monty Smith. Each of them carries forward both memories of James, and lessons imparted, that are as bold, complex, and enduring.
As James was never one for big gatherings and parties, no service will be held. Instead, his wife and daughters will return his ashes to the mountains of Alaska that he loved so much.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking for direct donations to the funeral home to cover expenses, or donations to family to cover expenses for travel to spread his ashes. Venmo: @jennbmidwife
In honor of James this football season, he would ask each of you to loudly and boldly support your favorite football team. But as a special request, if you could yell out a “How ‘bout those CHIEFS!” with every Kansas City touchdown or win, am sure he would be grateful.
If you or someone you love is struggling:
Please reach out. Help is available.
Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — for free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.
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