James L. McKown Jr.

James L McKown Jr., a proud St. Louisan, passed away on September 25, 2023. Jim was born at St. Louis Maternity Hospital to Virginia and James L. McKown Sr. on March 30, 1930. He was a lifelong sportsman, starting with being named a North County All Star in basketball in 1947 and 1948 while at Ferguson High School. As an adult Jim regularly played tennis and golf, scoring four holes-in-one, and playing golf until age 92. Jim graduated from Mizzou in 1953 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then went into the insurance business where he became a successful insurance broker. In 1956, on a short detour in Cleveland, Ohio he met and married the love of his life, Carol L. Drab. Jim and Carol had a wonderful life together, playing golf and tennis at Greenbriar Hills Country Club, at their home in Naples, Florida, and traveling extensively across the USA and Western Europe. After Carol passed away in 2015 Jim took each of his five grandchildren on different trips including London, Pebble Beach and a cruise through the Panama Canal. Jim had many wonderful and caring friends from all aspects of his life including Greenbriar and Conway Investment Syndicate. No one had a greater love of life than Jim McKown. Jim is survived by his daughter Joan McKown (James Brigagliano), son James L. McKown III (Nanette), five grandchildren, Claire McKown, James L. McKown IV (MinJeong Kim), John Brigagliano (Ella), Sara Brigagliano (Andrew Savarese), Elizabeth McKown (fiancé Brian Bui), one great-grandchild Callie Brigagliano, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, sister Carol Wilshusen, and sister in law and brothers in law. The family wishes to express it’s sincere gratitude to the staff at Manor Grove Nursing Home. Jim commented frequently how wonderful his care was at Manor Grove. A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood, Missouri on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 10am. A gathering of friends and family will be held after the service at Grace Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grace Episcopal Endowment Fund, 514 E. Argonne Drive, Kirkwood, Mo 63122, or to a charity of your choice.

James L. McKown Jr.

March 30, 1930 - September 25, 2023