James Donald Brown

James Donald Brown, 89, formerly of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026 ,in Hobbs, New Mexico. He was born on January 23, 1936, in Louisville, Kentucky, to James W. Brown and Hazel Sherrard of Salvisa, Kentucky. He was the oldest of six children and survived all of his siblings: Ann, Frank, Gene, Jerry and Judy. He grew up on a farm in Salvisa where he developed a love of all animals. He raised cattle, goats, ostriches, and even emus. He had a variety of jobs and small businesses, including sales, oil field work, heavy hauling, gas stations, a food mart, a working farm and a fishing camp, among others.

He was married three times. First, to Wanda Jean Oliver. They had a daughter, Donna Kay Barfield. Then, to Myrna Stark, with whom he had two sons, James Donald Brown, Jr. and Steven Edward Brown. And, finally, to Lavon Burke with three step-children: Donald Keith Burke, Robin Lynn Kidd and Vonna Carol Hupp.

He had a love of fishing and would never miss an opportunity go. He and Lavon traveled to Florida to fish and visit with friends Lester and Francis Hensley.

After the passing of his wife of 51 years, Lavon, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, James spent the final four years of his life in Hobbs, New Mexico, with his son James and granddaughter, Sydney Johnston. He enjoyed watching four of his great grandchildren from his porch across the street.

He is survived by x-wife Myrna, eldest daughter Donna Kay, sons James and Steve, step-children Vonna Carol, Donald Keith and Robin Lynn and lots of loving grand children and great grand children. His ashes will be returned to Kentucky to be laid by his wife Lavon.