Jim Brown, Sucia Reef Café and Bar owner, 1949-75.

James Albert Brown was born August 10, 1914 in Ferry, Washington to Robert A. Brown and Nellie Eadems, and was the sixth born among a family of six boys and three girls.

Jim was honorably discharged from the Navy in December, 1945.

In 1946 the Browns moved to Anacortes and he bought the Marine Club tavern. Mr. Brown is believed to have opened the first “Class H” lounge, serving hard liquor along with beer and wine, in Anacortes following the end of Prohibition. He then opened the first restaurant and bar combination in Anacortes, the “Sucia Reef,” in 1950, and later acquired the “Reef" in Kent, "Jams” in Federal Way and the “Coral Reef” in Mount Vernon. During this time he was president of the Washington State Restaurant Association. He retired from the Sucia Reef in 1976. The Sucia Reef continued at its location at Eighth and Commercial until the early '90s.

Jim was a loyal Elks Club member for 52 years.

James and Mildred “Milly” Schultz were married on March 31, 1941, in Pierce, Idaho. They had two daughters, Jill and Nola.

Jim passed away on January 26, 1999 in Anacortes, Washington.

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