James Kent Brown, 82

James Kent Brown, 82, of Pleasant Hill, IA (formerly of Hampton, IA) passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 18, 2023, after a brief illness.

Kent was born on July 5, 1940, to J. Verald and Phyllis (Berger) Brown in Sioux City, IA. He grew up on the family farm near Hampton, IA. As a youth, he was active in 4-H, football and wrestling. After high school, he attended Oklahoma State University for two years where he joined Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, then transferred to and graduated from Iowa State University. Fresh out of college, Kent started his first job as a field representative for the American Angus Association. Many who knew Kent would attest this was the perfect job for him. His love of livestock and his livestock judging talents combined with his people skills were a match made in heaven. But, growing up, he would always tell people he wanted to be a farmer, and after four years, he fulfilled that dream by returning to the family farm in Hampton.

On June 14, 1969, Kent married Janet Bahling at the Titonka Methodist Church in Titonka, IA. They were later blessed with three sons: Mike, Layne, and Curt. He closely followed his sons’ activities through their school years, and later all his grandchildren’s activities. He was their biggest booster and supporter.

Kent loved watching and attending high school and college wrestling events, was a big fan of the Iowa State Fair and a loyal follower of the Iowa State Cyclones.

Kent was predeceased by his parents and his wife Janet. He is survived by his sons Mike (Sharon) Brown, Layne (Cher) Brown, Curt (Kim) Brown; his six grandchildren Logan, Lane, Hunter, Lauren, Taylor, and Curtis; and his siblings Janet Brown, Marilyn (Ed) Hopkey and Charlie (Barb) Brown.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 31, 2023, from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm at the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home at 1309 4th St NE in Hampton, IA. All are welcome to attend. A private service and burial will take place the following day.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to one of the following organizations close to Kent’s heart: The Iowa 4H Foundation at www.iowa4hfoundation.org; Alpha Gamma Rho, c/o Mike Nissly, PO Box 606, Iowa Falls, IA 50126; or ISU Foundation Fund #2702874, 2505 University Blvd, Ames IA 50010 (to support ISU Livestock Judging Teams).