Obituaries

James "Jim" Edward Brain

Photo of James "Jim" Edward Brain
James "Jim" Edward Brain, aged 82, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at home in Springdale surrounded by his family. He was born on March 14, 1935 in Jacksonville, Arkansas to Francis Edward and Helen Green Brain. He is preceded in death by his father and mother and many aunts, uncles, and grandparents who we know welcomed him home upon his passing. His family rests in the assurance of Jim's salvation. Jim was a devoted Christian, son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. Nothing brought a smile to his face quicker than his grandchildren, unless it was his beloved wife of 56 years, Sandra "Sandy." Jim's family was his priority. With Sandy by his side, he made a loving home for his children who knew him as strong and courageous, yet always gentle, kind, and patient. His grandchildren saw Granddad's smiling face on the sidelines or in the audience at as many athletic games, gymnastic meets, and dance competitions as he could attend. After his wife Sandy, his best friends were his three brothers, twin brother Sid (older by only a minute) and younger brothers Richard and Pat. The "Brain Boys" and their families supported and loved Jim, and he showed his unconditional love for them by providing often sought-after advice, his love, and his friendship. Jim was a proud graduate of Little Rock High School in the Class of 1953. He received an Associate's Degree in Science from Arkansas Tech in 1955, and graduated in 1957 from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the Arkansas Academy of Mechanical Engineers. While at the University of Arkansas, Jim worked as a summer intern at the U.S. Corp of Engineers where he met the love of his life, Sandy. They were married in January of 1959 and rarely left each other's side. Jim and Sandy's marriage was a testament to the world of their love and dedication. Sandy was the light of his life, the holder of his hand, and the keeper of his heart. Their children are forever grateful for the example they set. Prior to marriage, Jim worked in Texas City, Texas for the American Oil Company, but in 1958 was called upon to serve his country in the Army. A captain in the United States Army, Jim served during the Cold War and the early part of the Vietnam War. Commissioned in the Army Reserve in 1957, Jim served on active duty from 1958 through 1960 and again in 1961-1962 on seven different U.S. Army posts. Jim was a platoon leader, executive officer, and company commander of Company C, 82nd Engineer Battalion (Combat) and was Commanding Officer of the 806th Engineer Company (Construction Support). While serving at Fort Rucker, the headquarters and basic training center for Army Aviation, a love of airplanes and flying was born. Jim received his pilot's license in 2001 and shared a love of flying with his son Jay and his twin brother Sid. Jim and Jay enjoyed attending the EAA Oshkosh Airventure for many years together. In 2003 Jim and Sid completed a two-week, round trip flight to the Arctic Circle in Alaska, a dream trip. Jim flew a 1946 Aeronca Chief that he enjoyed working on just as much as flying it. Second to aviation was a longtime love of photography he shared with his daughter, Holly. Jim amassed an incredible collection of vintage cameras, including his Rollei Rollicord that was used for many years documenting his family. He also enjoyed working on and driving his 1966 Ford Mustang, bought new but painted candy apple red when his children began driving. After serving in the Army, Jim began his career with Southwestern Bell where he worked for 43 years as a professional engineer. He often traveled the state and country providing his expertise, and he never met a stranger. There was really nothing in life or work that he could not fix or make better. Jim was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock for over 50 years, serving as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon. He provided his engineering expertise through this position as well, using his skills to help the church. He was usually the first person people in his life called for advice. His listening ear and calm, thoughtful direction and advice were second to none for all of his family. Jim is survived by his wife Sandra; his brothers, Sidney "Sid" Brain and wife Sue of Harrison, Richard Brain and wife Vicki of Little Rock, and Patrick Brain and wife Pam of Little Rock; his two children, Holly Brain Johnson and husband David of Fayetteville, and James "Jay" Edward Brain, Jr. and wife Kelly of Rogers; his four grandchildren, Celia Johnson, James "Jeb" Edward Brain III, Russ Johnson, and Georgia Brain; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. The family thanks the doctors at M.D. Anderson, Dr. Paul Mansfield, Dr. Cathy Eng, and Aki Ohinata, P.A., for giving Dad many years of health after his diagnosis. Gratitude is also extended to Washington Regional Hospice for their care and support. Visitation will be 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Chapel in Fayetteville. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. on Saturday at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to take place 10 a.m. Monday, April 10 at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Cancer Resources, 5835 W. Sunset Avenue, Springdale, Arkansas 72762; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486 Houston, Texas 77210 or Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207. To place an online tribute visit www.nelsonberna.com.

Published April 5, 2017

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