James W Brown

James W. Brown, 73, of Bowling Green, passed away on November 1, 2015 at Wood County Hospital due to complications of Alzheimers/dementia. Jim was born in Ashtabula, OH, the son of Richard and Lillian Brown. He received his Bachelors and Masters from Bowling Green State University and was Director of Vocal Music with the Bowling Green City Schools for forty years. Outside of teaching, Jim was involved in many other things. Starting in 1970, Jim was the Founder, Administrator, and Music Director of the Olde English Yuletide Dinners performing at B.G.S.U., numerous halls, and private clubs throughout Ohio and Michigan. He really enjoyed performing with the Madrigal Singers during the holiday season. From 1981 to 1990, Jim was Producer/Director for the Summer Musical Theatre at B.G.S.U. In 1982, he was Administrator of the Choral Institute for the Aspen Summer Music Festival. Jim traveled extensively throughout the world during his summer and winter breaks. About every three years since 1976, Jim conducted concert tours with the Bowling Green High School Madrigal Singers, visiting such places as Bermuda, Canada, England, Wales, Poland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and the Czech Republic. Two of these tours were videotaped by WBGU-TV, PBS, and the resulting programs were syndicated throughout the United States. For the 1999-2000 school year, Jim received the Charles D. Mayers Teacher of the Year Award. Over the years, Jim served as Organist and Choir Director at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Bowling Green; Choir Director at St. Rose Catholic Church in Perrysburg; and Interim Choir Director at Collingwood Presbyterian Church in Toledo.Jim served on numerous civic committees; was a member of the B.G.S.U. Festival Series Advisory Board; and a faithful participant with the International Friendship Program.He thoroughly enjoyed teaching and as many students could attest, went well beyond what was required. Jim was a devoted friend and mentor to many. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Richard Brown. He is survived by his brother, Robert (Evelyn) of Conyers, GA; a niece, Alicia Brown, of Mooresville, NC; a nephew, Kevin (JoLynn) Brown, of Weston, OH; and a sister-in-law, Judy (Bill) Boyer of Englewood, FL. A celebration of his life will be observed in the Spring of 2016 (to be announced later). We would like to thank family, friends, and the community for their love and support of Jim during his life. In particular, we wish to thank the staff of Wood County Hospital, Brookdale - Clare Bridge of Bowling Green , and Dr. Wojciechowski for their outstanding care through the years.Memorial contributions may be made in Jims honor to the Alzheimers Assoc. of N.W. Ohio or Wood County Friends of the Library.