James Brothers
Share
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.
What an amazing artist and person. He will be so missed in our community.
On behalf of the “Santa Fe Trail” chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America I wish to offer my sincere and heart felt condolences to Kathy, Jim’s family and his many many friends. Jim’s love was his family and his art, but I feel his hobby was vintage motorcycling. It was an honor for our chapter to have Jim and Kathy participate in our annual vintage motorcycle show. His art work brought reverence to all aspects of the antique motorcycle world that he and we love. He will be missed.
goodbye JIM
Anyone who had the golden opportunity to get to know Jim will miss him. A very amazing person and his tributes will last forever. Our sincere sympathy to Kathy.
Rest in peace Jim, your work on earth is done, but never forgotten…….
Kathy,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We are fortunate to have seen so many of Jim’s talents over the years, he will be truly missed. May you both find peace.
JB, rest in peace. Your cousin Beck and me will miss you greatly. I know you didn’t want to say goodbye, and that’s okay too..Hope you know you made a difference……
I worked with Jim for several years. Although we had lost touch, I considered him a mentor and a friend. He was a true artist, and a wonderful human being. He will be missed.
What a sadd sadd loss for Jims family and friends of a Lawrence icon. We have lost another one of our hometown heros. What an amazing artist and just an all around nice guy. May God bless his family and welcome Jim into his heavenly family to sculpt for eternity.
Have known Jim through the years and with music. He will be missed.
I was saddened to learn of Jim’s passing today via a text message from my wife. The notice came during my 1st hr. sculpture class at De Soto High School. I spent the remainder of the period teaching my students about Jim’s sculptural work and the impact he made on not only my personal development as a bronze artist, but on the lives of everyone he came in contact with. This was not the first time nor the last time I enlightened my students with Jim’s art. He will be sorely missed as a mentore in the sculpture community and I’m honored to have had the chance to meet Jim.
I was saddened to learn of Jim’s passing today via a text message from my wife. The notice came during my 1st hr. sculpture class at De Soto High School. I spent the remainder of the period teaching my students about Jim’s sculptural work and the impact he made on not only my personal development as a bronze artist, but on the lives of everyone he came in contact with. This was not the first time nor the last time I enlightened my students with Jim’s art. He will be sorely missed as a mentore in the sculpture community and I’m honored to have had the chance to meet Jim.
I remember Jim well from graduate school. I was the only other figurative artist in the program. I have thought of him often over the years. He was a fine sculptor and wonderful friend and character. I will miss him. My condolences to his family
Jim and I first met in 1966 at Liberty High School where he taught art and I taught drama. We were the “rebels” among the staff and survived because we appreciated each other. Then, Jim met my husband. They bonded over popcorn fights and some unusual behavior in the Lawrence bars. I treasure the fact that I had the opportunity to know him.
Wevfirst met in the late 1960s when Jim, Russell and Diane restored the lobby of the old Red Dog Inn on Mass. In the years since our paths would cross and it was just like we were meeting at Johnny’s.. I hope someone tells the stories about he won WDAF’s St. payrick’s Day contests. Godspeed Jim!
Wevfirst met in the late 1960s when Jim, Russell and Diane restored the lobby of the old Red Dog Inn on Mass. In the years since our paths would cross and it was just like we were meeting at Johnny’s.. I hope someone tells the stories about he won WDAF’s St. payrick’s Day contests. Godspeed Jim!
Wevfirst met in the late 1960s when Jim, Russell and Diane restored the lobby of the old Red Dog Inn on Mass. In the years since our paths would cross and it was just like we were meeting at Johnny’s.. I hope someone tells the stories about he won WDAF’s St. payrick’s Day contests. Godspeed Jim!
Wevfirst met in the late 1960s when Jim, Russell and Diane restored the lobby of the old Red Dog Inn on Mass. In the years since our paths would cross and it was just like we were meeting at Johnny’s.. I hope someone tells the stories about he won WDAF’s St. payrick’s Day contests. Godspeed Jim!
Wevfirst met in the late 1960s when Jim, Russell and Diane restored the lobby of the old Red Dog Inn on Mass. In the years since our paths would cross and it was just like we were meeting at Johnny’s.. I hope someone tells the stories about he won WDAF’s St. payrick’s Day contests. Godspeed Jim!
Wevfirst met in the late 1960s when Jim, Russell and Diane restored the lobby of the old Red Dog Inn on Mass. In the years since our paths would cross and it was just like we were meeting at Johnny’s.. I hope someone tells the stories about he won WDAF’s St. payrick’s Day contests. Godspeed Jim!
Jim was one of the most amazing artists and good friend I have ever known. I am gratful for the may years we knew each other. I will miss him very much.
Jim was one of the most amazing artists and good friend I have ever known. I am gratful for the may years we knew each other. I will miss him very much.
Went to high school with Jim. Never would have guessed then that he would become the artist he turned out to be.
He found his groove, and made his move. Pretty amazing stuff! Extraordinary, even! RIP Jim
We are so glad he shared some of his life with us…parties, Winfield, visits to his foundry and studio and coming to our wedding. We feel blessed to have known him. He will be missed.
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I feel privileged to have known him and call him a friend. When Nikki and I visited the D Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, we were very honored to have known the man who designed and brought to life many of the subjects. Jim will always be sculpted in my mind.
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I feel privileged to have known him and call him a friend. When Nikki and I visited the D Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, we were very honored to have known the man who designed and brought to life many of the subjects. Jim will always be sculpted in my mind.
You were a man that I trusted, believed in, and had so much talent. My uncle landed at Omaha Beach and the scupture you made brought tears to his eyes. We all loved you Jim
Jim did a fantastic job on the sculpture of Paschal & Eudora Fish that is situated on the southwest corner of 9th & Main Streets in the CPA park in downtown Eudora! It was unveiled during Eudora’s sesquicentennial in 2007. The statue is a forever reminder of the brilliance of Jim Brother’s sculpting skills and Eudora’s past.
It was a privilege and also fun to work with Jim on the sculpture at Cedar Crest. We liked it so much that we purchased our own now at our house in DC. Our daughter loved ’being the model’ for Jim and still has the picture taken of her in his studio. What a treasure of a person and loss for Kansas. Who knows what future projects Jim would have created…we won’t know but Bill, Katie and I mourn his passing.
This man has touched my heart and been my friend for over 30 years. He will live on in his music and his art but most of all our hearts. But this is not goodbye…I will catch you in the wind my friend….o~’o!
Kathy, I want to pass along my condolences on the loss of you husband/best friend. Jim was an amazing guy with a passion not only for his work but for enjoying life to the fullest. It was truly a pleasure to work with you and Jim on the Paschal and Eudora statue. Jim will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Kathy, I want to pass along my condolences on the loss of you husband/best friend. Jim was an amazing guy with a passion not only for his work but for enjoying life to the fullest. It was truly a pleasure to work with you and Jim on the Paschal and Eudora statue. Jim will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim and his family lived in my neighborhood when I was growing up in Eureka. I knew his mother and dad. I’ve seen his pieces in Eureka so beautiful.
Jim and his family lived in my neighborhood when I was growing up in Eureka. I knew his mother and dad. I’ve seen his pieces in Eureka so beautiful.
God Bless you Jim, Thank you!
God Bless you Jim, Thank you!
Jim – I met you way back when, in the mid-seventies – long before “you went and became all famous and everything.” I commented on your earring, and remember well the question you asked me in return. That kindled a friendship that endured – the kind that never goes away, regardless of miles between, time, or differences. You introduced me to Frank, Fayetteville, Bluegrass music, and a whole other world that has always stuck with me, and always will. I wonder if the Boston Islanders are still out there?
One evening soon I’ll sit out on my back porch, and we’ll have another chat of sorts – I’m sure. I missed you when I came through early this year, but did end up having a fine visit with Kathy’s mother, quite a lady. To you Kathy, and all the family – my heart is with you. But, what puts a smile on my face is that I’ve never known anyone that truly lived such a full and creative life.
You made it Jim. And, you did it your way, with the talent you were blessed with. You did not squander it. Good for you! And, I’m happy too that I was a little part of it all with our work on the Omar Bradley piece. I shimmed it out and helped you with the mold making. You didn’t have the studio built yet. It was created in what was supposed to be the bedroom of your home. Only you!
Say hi to Little-Bit . . . will love you always, as so many do . . . Tami
Jim – I met you way back when, in the mid-seventies – long before “you went and became all famous and everything.” I commented on your earring, and remember well the question you asked me in return. That kindled a friendship that endured – the kind that never goes away, regardless of miles between, time, or differences. You introduced me to Frank, Fayetteville, Bluegrass music, and a whole other world that has always stuck with me, and always will. I wonder if the Boston Islanders are still out there?
One evening soon I’ll sit out on my back porch, and we’ll have another chat of sorts – I’m sure. I missed you when I came through early this year, but did end up having a fine visit with Kathy’s mother, quite a lady. To you Kathy, and all the family – my heart is with you. But, what puts a smile on my face is that I’ve never known anyone that truly lived such a full and creative life.
You made it Jim. And, you did it your way, with the talent you were blessed with. You did not squander it. Good for you! And, I’m happy too that I was a little part of it all with our work on the Omar Bradley piece. I shimmed it out and helped you with the mold making. You didn’t have the studio built yet. It was created in what was supposed to be the bedroom of your home. Only you!
Say hi to Little-Bit . . . will love you always, as so many do . . . Tami
Jim – I met you way back when, in the mid-seventies – long before “you went and became all famous and everything.” I commented on your earring, and remember well the question you asked me in return. That kindled a friendship that endured – the kind that never goes away, regardless of miles between, time, or differences. You introduced me to Frank, Fayetteville, Bluegrass music, and a whole other world that has always stuck with me, and always will. I wonder if the Boston Islanders are still out there?
One evening soon I’ll sit out on my back porch, and we’ll have another chat of sorts – I’m sure. I missed you when I came through early this year, but did end up having a fine visit with Kathy’s mother, quite a lady. To you Kathy, and all the family – my heart is with you. But, what puts a smile on my face is that I’ve never known anyone that truly lived such a full and creative life.
You made it Jim. And, you did it your way, with the talent you were blessed with. You did not squander it. Good for you! And, I’m happy too that I was a little part of it all with our work on the Omar Bradley piece. I shimmed it out and helped you with the mold making. You didn’t have the studio built yet. It was created in what was supposed to be the bedroom of your home. Only you!
Say hi to Little-Bit . . . will love you always, as so many do . . . Tami
Jim – I met you way back when, in the mid-seventies – long before “you went and became all famous and everything.” I commented on your earring, and remember well the question you asked me in return. That kindled a friendship that endured – the kind that never goes away, regardless of miles between, time, or differences. You introduced me to Frank, Fayetteville, Bluegrass music, and a whole other world that has always stuck with me, and always will. I wonder if the Boston Islanders are still out there?
One evening soon I’ll sit out on my back porch, and we’ll have another chat of sorts – I’m sure. I missed you when I came through early this year, but did end up having a fine visit with Kathy’s mother, quite a lady. To you Kathy, and all the family – my heart is with you. But, what puts a smile on my face is that I’ve never known anyone that truly lived such a full and creative life.
You made it Jim. And, you did it your way, with the talent you were blessed with. You did not squander it. Good for you! And, I’m happy too that I was a little part of it all with our work on the Omar Bradley piece. I shimmed it out and helped you with the mold making. You didn’t have the studio built yet. It was created in what was supposed to be the bedroom of your home. Only you!
Say hi to Little-Bit . . . will love you always, as so many do . . . Tami
Jim, I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet you and become your friend. You were a good friend and a man with nothing but class. Bro, rest in peace.
My condolences to Kathy and all of the many people who knew and love Jim. There are many sad faces but smiling hearts as we think about Jim and all of our memories. He was one of the greats.
Jim, you are an original. Your art will live on, and through your art , you will too, to those of us who knew you and those who didn’t. Be at peace my friend.
Gonna miss ya Jim. Only visited with ya a few times, but you touched my heart as being a humble class person.
Gonna miss ya Jim. Only visited with ya a few times, but you touched my heart as being a humble class person.
Gonna miss ya Jim. Only visited with ya a few times, but you touched my heart as being a humble class person.
Gonna miss ya Jim. Only visited with ya a few times, but you touched my heart as being a humble class person.
Gonna miss ya Jim. Only visited with ya a few times and found out that you were a genuine and humble man, that I wish I had got to know better. Rest in peace brother
The last time I saw you, we were drinking a beer, listening to zydeco and eating that Cochin d’lae.
Correction:Cochon de lait. What a ride. I miss you already my friend.
Jim had a lot of love to give which he freely shared. I was the beneficiary of his friendship and generosity — a truly unique individual who holds a special place in my heart. I’ll always remember the good years of music we shared together along with Jim’s best stories! Soar with the eagles, Jim. Love you.
So many memories – from the days when you lived near Martin Park in the house with at least one stuffed animal in every room and the saddled moose in the dining room – then on to the many parties filled with food, music, antics, and conviviality – the times you came out to Stull Road house to work in my garage on the styrofoam model of a vintage car – haven’t seen you very often since I moved from Lawrence, but you were always a strong image in the treasure chest of memories. Kathy, my heart is heavy for you – may you have the strength you need to carry on and to take care of Kathy now. Love and prayers, gloria
Jim,thanks for the great times at the water plant: working together; hearing your plans for your welded Indian and bison sculpture, the “Orange Possum Special” band & Alferd Packer Band; arguing politics with our workmates; taxidermy/dead pets; etc. Thanks especially for your encouragement when I worked at Headquarters where I met co-worker Sue, took her to your 3rd farm party, and married her a year later. I’m glad that our son Joe met you, the subject of our fond stories of our younger days. We’ll miss ya, friend.
Jim,thanks for the great times at the water plant: working together; hearing your plans for your welded Indian and bison sculpture, the “Orange Possum Special” band & Alferd Packer Band; arguing politics with our workmates; taxidermy/dead pets; etc. Thanks especially for your encouragement when I worked at Headquarters where I met co-worker Sue, took her to your 3rd farm party, and married her a year later. I’m glad that our son Joe met you, the subject of our fond stories of our younger days. We’ll miss ya, friend.
I was only honored to be in his presence once. But what an experience, he took so much time with my wife and me to explain his philosophy of sculpting and work. We are so blessed that he agreed to do the Inge piece and marvel at his determination to see it completed. My best to Kathy.
Jim YOU ROCK!!! Thank You for all you did for all the sculptors you inspired. You inspired me when I worked on your pieces at Allen Webster’s Heartland Bronze Foundry for which I am so grateful. SO GLAD I had the opportunity to know you. Please put in a good word to our Creator for my daughter who has cancer. THANK YOU JIM, Kick ass in heaven.
Jim YOU ROCK!!! Thank You for all you did for all the sculptors you inspired. You inspired me when I worked on your pieces at Allen Webster’s Heartland Bronze Foundry for which I am so grateful. SO GLAD I had the opportunity to know you. Please put in a good word to our Creator for my daughter who has cancer. THANK YOU JIM, Kick ass in heaven.
Kathy, My condolences to you and your family at the loss of your husband . You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, My condolences to you and your family at the loss of your husband . You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. My late husband, Bob Braksick, thought the world of Jim and was so proud of The Plainsman sculpture we bought some years ago and which I now treasure. Amazing talent. RIP, JB.
Kathy, I am very sorry. Jim was a very special man to my family. I am sure he is disappointed that I never got my Izod tittoo! Anyway, my world will now be a little less colorful. May you be wrapped in comfort.
We will miss the twinkle in his eye. To the party, Jim brought the music, the beer, the fun. Never enough for all those who loved Jim. Condolences for Kathy and family. Ride on in peace Jim.
We will miss the twinkle in his eye. To the party, Jim brought the music, the beer, the fun. Never enough for all those who loved Jim. Condolences for Kathy and family. Ride on in peace Jim.
Condolences to Kathy and all of Jim’s family & friends.
Condolences to Kathy and all of Jim’s family & friends.
Jim was an amazingly kind and generous friend. He let me stay with him at his farmhouse in the late 1970s when I was between jobs and “searching” for myself. Those were some of the greatest days of my life. I recall he was cutting up a Volkswagen and creating a buffalo sculpture from the pieces. Outstanding!
A very unique, talented and wonderful guy.
Jim was an amazingly kind and generous friend. He let me stay with him at his farmhouse in the late 1970s when I was between jobs and “searching” for myself. Those were some of the greatest days of my life. I recall he was cutting up a Volkswagen and creating a buffalo sculpture from the pieces. Outstanding!
A very unique, talented and wonderful guy.
This remembrance is from/for my recently deceased mother, Areta Alford Meyer.One day,more than 10 years ago,mother was so thrilled, by her friendship with, I believe, Jim’s mother and Jim that she took me over to meet him at his remarkable studio. I can only confirm how friendly and thoughtful he and his mother were to my mother.I’m sure she would add much more if she were here today.