James "Jim" Brown

Hastings resident James “Jim” D. Brown, 80, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE.

A celebration of Life service is scheduled for 10:30 A.M. Monday, November 9, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church, with Pastor Josh Seifert officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be at Parkview Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., with family present from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Jim’s family to benefit Grace United Methodist Church and Saint Jude’s Children's Research Hospital. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Jim’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.

James Duane Brown, affectionately known to all as "Brownie," passed away on October 31, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by family. Jim leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service, deep community connection, and a large, loving family. Born on June 9, 1946, in Hastings, Nebraska, which was his lifelong home, to Howard and Jeannette Brown. Jim walked through life with a friendly smile and unmatched dedication to his community.

Jim graduated from Hastings Senior High School with the Class of 1964. He went on to proudly serve his state and country as a member of the Nebraska National Guard for many years. He was also a proud member of the Tehama Shriners and the Masonic Temple.

Jim married the love of his life, Sandy, and together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Their love and devotion to one another grew into a beautiful family, including three children: Darin (Michelle) Brown of Kearney, NE; Chris (Pamala) Brown of Brady, NE; and Tricia (Chad) Kehn of Lincoln, NE. Jim was a proud and loving grandfather to nine grandchildren—Brett, Kaitlyn, Dylan, Lauren, Wyatt, Hayden, Sydney, Amelia, and Reyce—and was blessed with six great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy and legacy.

For 32 years, Jim proudly served as a dedicated and beloved mail carrier, becoming a familiar and friendly face to countless residents along his route. He was more than just the person who delivered the mail; he took the time to get to know the people on his route and made lasting connections throughout the community. During the holidays, Jim brought extra joy to his patrons by dressing as Santa Claus, creating special memories that would be cherished for years to come.

If you knew Jim, you also knew of his love for gardening. He was especially known for growing an abundance of zucchini—enough, it seemed, to feed all of Hastings! Jim had a remarkable ability to remember not only everyone's names but their exact addresses as well, a reflection of the genuine care and personal connection he shared with the community he served each day.

Jim worked numerous side jobs throughout the years, including roofing for many years, always going above and beyond to provide for his family and help put his wife and all of his children through college. He cherished time spent camping with family and friends and gathering around the table for a good game of pitch. These moments and memories with loved ones brought him great happiness.

Jim was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served on the Board of Trustees and generously volunteered his time and talents to help with the many needs of the church. His dedication and willingness to lend a helping hand were greatly appreciated by his church family. He also worked as a Funeral Assistant for many years with Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home.

He will be deeply missed by his family, his former route residents, and the many friends who were lucky enough to call him "Brownie."