James Brown

James Brown was born January 21, 1934 in Edgewater, Alabama at the Tennessee Coal Mine Hospital. He was the first of three children born to the late Robert and Mildred Cox Brown. He began his education in the Bibb County School System (Birmingham, AL). His family moved to Cleveland, OH, where he completed his education at Glenville High School and received a football scholarship to Bowling Green State University.

In 1993 Brother Brown was united in holy matrimony to Missionary Barbara Jean Hodge at the East 105th Street Church of God in Christ under the late Bishop F. E. Perry. She has been a devoted and loving wife and remained by his side throughout his illness.

As a member of Cathedral Church of God in Christ he was an active part of the worship experience in serving as a Sunday School teacher. He studied to show himself worthy and presented his lesson in a prepared and enthusiastic manner.

Brother Brown began his employment at American Steel for a short period of time, then continued his career path at the United States Post Office. Because there were two James Browns' on his shift, he became "Big Jim" a handle that stayed with him. Starting out as a mail clerk throwing schemes and working up to a manager through the Postal Employee Development Center (P.E.D.C.). His employment lasted 36 years before retiring. His retirement lasted just one year. Brother Brown began working at Continental Airlines as a team member on the ramp. He worked for Continental 20 years. He was considered a friend and leader to many and remained in touch with many former co-workers.

In his first marriage to Mattie two children were born, a daughter Dwayne Michele (Mikie) and a son, Darryle Mychael.

On August 28, 1963, Brother Brown participated in the March on Washington D.C. for jobs and freedom. He also participated in local civil rights movements, including the April 1964 protest of the construction of a segregated school in Cleveland, Ohio. He remained an active follower of local and national politics as well as the history of Black Americans.

Brother Brown was a member of the Postal Alliance Bowling League for many years and traveled to many tournaments. He also played the position of catcher and was a power hitter on the Postal softball teams. His motto was, "if you hit the ball hard enough you don't have to run fast." Brother Brown could always be seen and heard supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events; and always with a tip on making the play better.

Brother Brown enjoyed traveling with his family and wife, Missionary Barbara Brown to Cancun, Hawaii, Paris, Brazil and various sites in the United States.

Brother Browns' interests and hobbies includes gardening, reading, crossword puzzles and even enjoyed making clothes for men and women. He valued education; had a love of learning and strived to instill that love in others. He was a talented chef, baker and enjoyed sharing his culinary skills. In the 1980's Brother Brown received his pilot's license from the Cuyahoga County Airport. Most of all and without question he loved and enjoyed being with his family.

Preceding Brother James Brown in death are his parents Robert and Mildred Brown; sister Augusta Jean; extended family member, Eric. S. Hodge; son-in-law Leo M. Lewis.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife Barbara Jean Hodge Brown; brother Johnny Mack Brown; children D. Michele Brown-Lewis; Darryle Brown; extended family, Jennifer (Joseph) Lastery; Sylvester (Bernadette) Hodge; Aaron Hodge; Kimberly Hodge-Edwards; Dawn M. Hodge; Clarice (James) Davis; Melissa Sanders. Grandchildren Selena (Donnell) Boyer; Stacey M. Walker; Darryle (Amanda) Brown; Tangela Hodge; Vanisha Stubbs; Joseph Ryan Lastery Jr., James Davis Jr., Kelly Anderson, Erica Hodge, Jasmine (Marcus) Butler, Veronica Edwards, Shanita Anderson, Aaron Hodge Jr., Sydney Hodge, Marcia Davis, Chantal Hodge, leshia Hodge, Imani Edwards, Terrence Duckworth, Immanuel Edwards, Darrius Edwards, Tyrese Duckworth, Mya Hodge. Great-grandchildren Caleb C. Walker, Cooper C.J. Walker, Chloe M. Walker, Dash D. Boyer, Sasha R. Boyer, Kahmari Walker, Santana Cogburn, Kiley Butler, Kaniya Anderson, Nyla Harper, Amir Edwards, Egypt Hodge, Paris Johnson, Emory Grimes.

There are a host of relatives and friends that will also cherish his memory.

Humbly submitted,

The Family of James Brown