James Silberrad Brown

May 26, 1933 - December 17, 2020

SAN DIEGO — James Silberrad Brown died at home surrounded by his family on December 17, 2020. Jim was born May 26, 1933, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to Richard F.S. Brown and Cecilia de Cardi Brown. He moved with his parents, sister, and brother to the United States in 1944. After a brief time in Florida, the family moved to San Bernardino, California.

Jim served honorably in the US Navy as an Electrician’s Mate from 1951-1954. Following his service in the Navy, Jim returned to Southern California, working as Chief of Quality Control for ITT Kellogg at Vandenberg Air Force Base during the peak early years of America’s space program. He relocated to San Diego to attend San Diego State University, where he graduated with Honors in Business Management in 1967.

Jim worked as a Program Manager at General Dynamics Electronics before beginning his lifelong career in real estate. During his nearly 50 years in the real estate business, Jim founded a number of general and limited partnerships through his Company, Silberrad, Inc., which primarily owns and operates multi-family properties in San Diego and Dallas/fort Worth.

Jim was an accomplished entrepreneur. In 1978, he founded The Bank of San Diego and BSD Bancorp, a bank holding company which owned all or part of five banks, as well as Datatronix Financial Services, a data processing subsidiary. Datatronix was spun off as a publicly-traded company before being acquired by Fiserv Company. Jim co-owned and operated the local Chicago Title Company office from 1982 to 1986. From 1982 to 1993, Jim and partners founded and operated San Diego Television, Inc., the parent company of KTTY Channel 69, which now operates as Fox 5.

Jim was very active in the San Diego community. He served on the Board of Directors of Vista Hill Foundation from 1988 to 2017, including ten years as its Chairman. He was on the Board of Trustees of Sharp Memorial Hospital for 11 years, including a term as Chairman. He was a major supporter of San Diego State University, which was near and dear to his heart. He served on many other community boards and committees, including the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego Symphony, Private Industry Council, the Economic Advisory Board for San Diego County, the San Diego Padres Advisory Council, and San Diego Rotary.

Jim loved to travel with his family and friends, including more than 25 trips to Lake Powell during the summers. He celebrated his 80th and 85th birthdays with his adult children on trips to the Caribbean and Great Britain.

He was a devoted fan of SDSU athletics and liked nothing more than cheering on his beloved Aztecs. Jim was a longtime member of the San Diego Yacht Club and an active member of the local sailing community. A self-taught sailor, he participated in many sailing competitions throughout Southern California and Baja California, winning or placing in many races over the years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn Creson Brown; his children, Kimberly Stertz (Mark Koch, Denver), Kelly Brown (Avalon), Scott Brown (San Diego), Kristen Brown (Brian Thoreson, Eagle River, Alaska) and Brad Davidson (Karen, Costa Mesa); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by extended family and a host of friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Contributions in Jim’s memory may be directed to The Campanile Foundation at San Diego State (tcf.sdsu. edu or 5500 Campanile Drive, 92182), Vista Hill Foundation (vistahill.org or 8910 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, 92123 ), Sharp Healthcare Foundation (give.sharp.com or 8695 Spectrum Center Boulevard, 92123) or to a charity of choice.

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