Born October 17, 1934
Dr. Brown, known as Jim to his friends, passed peacefully in his sleep Saturday, June 15, 2024. Jim was born in the Beverly Hills neighborhood of Chicago on October 17, 1934. He attended Christ the King Grammar School, St. Ignatius College Prep, and Loyola University Chicago for undergraduate and Medical School. Dr. Brown was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and became a Urological Surgeon. He created his own private practice from the ground up and practiced for over 50 years. He was on the staff at Oak Park Hospital, Loyola Hospital, Lutheran General Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital, and Resurrection Hospital where he was Chief of Surgery for many years. Dr. Brown also worked as Chief Surgeon for the Chicago Police Department in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
In 1961 he met his beloved wife Patricia (Nee Vitullo), a schoolteacher, and they were married on December 28, 1963, until her death in 1999. Dr. Brown lived in the River Forest for 20 years and eventually moved to Northfield.
Throughout his life, Dr. Brown was an avid hunter, a voracious reader of all things historical, a dog lover, a dedicated family man and husband, an extremely well-respected physician, and a true, old-fashioned gentleman.
Dr. Brown is survived by his three children and ten grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 9-10am with a funeral Mass all at St. Mary Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. The burial will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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My deepest heartfelt condolences to the family. For he was a true caring person in his profession. As a first live-in care, his set ways was an experience of laughter. I will miss you, my friend, and I remember this photo and our drinks our toast " here's looking at you Doc !!"
He was not only our doctor but we became friends throughout our 45 years of knowing him. He was such a caring doctor. I remember asking him a question and not only did he take the time to answer but gave me his home phone number and said, “ Any other questions you have, you call me night or day at my home.” Another time I called him at his home regarding my granddaughter who was having a problem and within 10 minutes he had sent a RX for her. There is only one other doctor that gave me his home phone number and I can call him at any time. Dr. Brown you lived, you laughed , you lived, you laughed and you saved hundreds of lives, you may be gone but Pete and I will never forget your kindness and thoughtfulness you had towards us. Your in Gods hands now, Rest in Peace. 🙏🙏 our 45 y
My condolences to the Brown’s families and to my mother Valdis Reynolds. May his spirit rest in eternal peace.
Condolences to Dr. Brown’s family. I worked at Resurrection Hospital cleaning and sterilizing instruments for surgical procedures. Dr. Brown always treated us as a vital part of the surgical team. He was always friendly and treated us and his patients with respect and compassion. Sincere sympathy to the family.
We are so sad to hear of the passing of Dr Brown. We all send our deepest condolences to the family. Sending prayers and hugs.
Sometimes in life, you meet an extraordinary person who you immediately realize is bigger than life. Not necessarily physically (although, of course, Dr. Brown was), but an individual who simply and inherently commands admiration and respect. Such a meeting definitely took place when I was assigned to the Chicago Police Department Medical Section where I was introduced to Dr. Brown. He soon became my friend and mentor, and I came to know him as a principled physician, a voracious reader, and a stimulating conversationalist (most memorably often stating that 'he didn't suffer fools well' -- of course, whether fools or not, he treated his patients with care way beyond their expectations). He was also an exceptional communicator, who always offered me words of wisdom, sage advice, and even medical help for my family (I have a sister-in-law who probably would have died if he hadn't intervened). Later, he helped me with career moves and with my own health problems. I and my family truly believe that the world has lost a great man. God bless Dr. Brown and his family.
Deepest sympathy to all of the family. Have fond memories of meeting, talking with him at Dolores July 4. My condolences to you all.