James Verald Brown was born on March 25, 1914. He grew up near Hampton, Franklin County, Iowa. He received his B.S. (1938) in dairy husbandry from Iowa State College (University). Following graduation, Brown worked as a loan officer for two years with the Farm Security Administration (Farmers Home Administration) before returning home to work on the family farm.



As a student at Iowa State, Brown was active in a number of campus clubs and agricultural organizations. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, Block and Bridle Club, Agricultural Council, Dairy Cattle Club and Judging Team, and the Campus 4-H Club. He was also a member of the Social Council, VEISHEA, and a life member of the Memorial Union.



Brown became a prominent member of Iowa’s swine industry. He raised, bred, and showed purebred Poland China and Yorkshire hogs. Brown served as secretary of the Poland China Association of Iowa. In 1959 he was the judge of the swine division at the Little International livestock show held at Iowa State. During the 1950s and 1960s he served on the board of the Iowa Swine Testing Station. Brown was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by ISU’s Gamma Sigma Delta, an agricultural honor society.



Brown met his wife, Phyllis, while both were students at Iowa State and together they raised four children. Brown died May 18, 2004.