James Brothers

A Memorial Gathering for James Edward “Jim” Brothers, 72, Lawrence will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Private burial will be held at Vinland Cemetery.  He died Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at his home.

Jim was born August 15, 1941 in Eureka, Greenwood County, KS the son of Eddie Marion and Jean Louise (Matthews) Brothers.  He grew up in the Kansas Flint Hills where he spent summers exploring the prairie along with his own Cherokee and pioneer roots.

Inspired to pursue a career in art by his aunt, artist Mardi Davis, Jim earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Phillips University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Emporia State University.   He worked as a commercial illustrator, taught high school art at Emporia, Nickerson, and Liberty, pursued a Masters degree at Kansas University, and established himself on the west coast before, as he said, “returning to the land and people I knew best.”

A sculptor and co-owner of Jim Brothers Sculpture Studio, Inc., Jim found inspiration in a passion for history that nearly equaled his passion for creating fine art.

Committed to preserving the old-time American music tradition, Jim was a founding member of the Alferd Packer Memorial String Band whose annual performances on tax night at the Lawrence post office and on opening night for the Vinland Fair were enjoyed by many.

He loved art, music, motorcycles, airplanes and old cars.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Correll.  Other survivors include his mother, Jean; and his son, Edward “Eddie” Brothers, both of Lawrence.  He is preceded in death by his father.

The family suggests memorials to the Jim Brothers Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of the mortuary.