David James (DJ) Brown

David James Brown, 79, of Laguna Beach, California passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, David was a devoted husband and loyal friend.

Born on December 4, 1946, in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late Warner Frank and Esther Montague (Smithdeal) Brown, he was raised in Erie where he graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1965. In 1966 David enlisted in the United States Marines Corps where he earned the rank of Corporal. In 1979 he graduated from Gannon University. David continued his education graduating from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in 1982. David stayed in the Los Angeles area where he spent the next 44 years as an attorney.

David is survived by his nieces and nephews: Debbie Brown, of Pymatuning, PA, Paul Antill of Ontario, CA, Cynthia (Antill) Shiba of Upland, CA, and Geoff Antill of Smith River, CA. His best friends who he considered his brothers were William White, Rich Brody, Bill (Cindy) Ronan and Greg (Lisa) Orland.

He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Lee Ken Voo Brown, who he considered the greatest gift he ever received in his life; his parents Warner and Esther Brown, brother Joseph Donahue (Betty) Brown and sisters Sally (Brown) Luby and Martha Jayne (Brown) Antill, nieces and nephews: Linda (Brown) Fath, Steven Wesley Brown, Kathleen M. Brown, and Jennifer Lynn (Antill) Corona.

David enjoyed listening to Late 60s and early 70s music, college sports, watching history shows and sitting in the sun watching the ocean from his balcony in Laguna Beach. David’s love of life was apparent in the way he enjoyed sightseeing and traveling with his wife Lee, and his hospitality to visitors home.

David lived life to the fullest and never took his life for granted. He had a dry wit and always had a great comeback. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.