James Marston "Jim" Brown

James Marston “Jim” Brown, 75, longtime Aberdeen resident and attorney with Phillips, Krause & Brown, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026. He was born February 5, 1950 in Aberdeen, Washington to Donald Matthew Brown and Jeannette Marie Phillips.

Jim graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1968 and from the University of Washington in 1972 with degrees in Trumpet and Political Science. He earned his Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law in Fullerton, California in 1978.

Jim practiced law in Aberdeen for many years, focusing on Elder Law, estate planning, guardianship, and advocacy for elderly and disabled clients. He was a Certified Professional Guardian and was appointed by the courts to serve a number of incapacitated individuals with complex medical and legal needs.

From 2005 to 2020, Jim served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law, teaching Elder Law and mentoring many students.

He was active in many professional and community organizations, including the Washington Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (WAELA), where he served as president and board member. In 2023 he received WAELA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Jim also served on the Grays Harbor/Pacific County Ombuds Advisory Committee, the Ethics Committee for Grays Harbor Community Hospital, the Aberdeen Timberland Library Board, and the Aberdeen School Board.

Faith and music were central to Jim’s life. He was active in several churches and served on elder and deacon boards. Jim loved playing trumpet in churches and was principal trumpet with the Grays Harbor Symphony. He especially enjoyed teaching the book of Hebrews in Sunday school classes and small groups.

Jim is survived by his wife of 51½ years, Coleen Brown of Aberdeen; his sons William (Bill) Brown and daughter-in-law Jacey and grandsons Isaiah and Emmett of Aberdeen; and Peter Brown and daughter-in-law Elizabeth and grandchildren Joey Rodriguez and Allison Brown. He is also survived by his brother Gerald “Jerry” Brown and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Matthew Brown and Jeannette Marie Brown, and brothers McDonald Matthew “Binky” Brown and Lewis “Lew” O’Day Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the needs fund of Immanuel Baptist Church or the Washington State Senior Citizens’ Foundation.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen. A memorial service will occur Saturday, March 28 at 1:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam.