James Douglas Brown

James Douglas Brown (“Doug”), 78, of Powhatan, Virginia, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on December 11, 2024. In passing, he has rejoined the love of his life and wife of 37 years, Marguerite Kay Brown. He leaves behind a loving family to include his two children, Michael Brown (Pam Brown) and Sheila Waters (Chris Waters), and his three grandchildren, Mary Kaitlyn Brown, Troy Brown and Trevor Waters. He will always be remembered for his thoughtfulness, quick wit, and sense of humor; but most importantly, for the way he loved his family.

Doug was born on December 9, 1946 to Flora Bell Young and James Paul Brown. In 1966, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country with honor. Upon his return home, he married Marguerite Kay Brown (“Meg”), and they left Virginia for Gulf Port, Mississippi, where Doug was stationed. After deciding to start a family, the two moved back to Virginia and planted roots, where their family would grow.

They welcomed their first child, Michael Brown, and shortly after welcomed their daughter, Sheila Brown (Waters). Doug worked hard at Blue Cross Blue Shield for many years, and then as a human resources representative for Uppy’s and Fas Mart. For all the hours he put in to provide for his family, he always made time to be present and active in the lives of his children. He was an avid baseball fan, and some of his favorite moments involved watching his son play baseball growing up. The love for the game continued on when his grandson, Trevor, took up the sport as well. He spent many years attending baseball games and tournaments, and was so proud to watch those that he loved play and enjoy the game he had always cherished.

As much as he loved baseball, Doug was equally supportive of each of his family members and their endeavors, from cheering on his daughter, Sheila at her figure skating competitions; and watching his grandson Troy at his baseball and volleyball games; to consistently encouraging his granddaughter, Mary Kaitlyn in her love of writing. He loved to see his family doing what they loved, no matter what that was.

The family that Doug and Meg created was one filled with joy and laughter, and it all began with a story of a love that conquered all. Doug would recall at Meg’s funeral, that he still remembered the moment he saw her face for the very first time. He said he believed that for as long as he lived, he would be able to close his eyes and see her sweet face exactly how it was on that warm September night in 1964.

When Meg’s family moved to Belgium, the two were put to the test. Many miles apart and no telling when they would see one another again, letters became the language of their hearts. The Vietnam War posed the next obstacle that Doug and Meg met in their journey toward each other, but neither seas nor skies would end the plan God had for them.

30 months apart and 900 letters later, it seemed to all at that point that they would not be giving up on this one-of-a-kind love that easily. When Doug returned home from the war, the two married eleven days later. They created a family, a life, and a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of their children and grandchildren all the days of their lives.

When cancer took Meg away in 2006, Doug wrote: “Meg is now out of my arms, and out of my sight, but never will she be out of my heart. We’ve survived a long distance relationship before, we can do it again. Thank you, Meg for making my life so much better than I ever dared to imagine it could be.”

It has been 18 years since the Lord called Meg home, and on December 11, 2024, their long distance separation ended once and for all when they met again in Heaven. They are together once more, and this time, in the presence of their Lord and Savior. There is no greater reward for a life well-lived.

Doug’s funeral ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home located at 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA, 23229. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, as these causes were near and dear to Doug’s heart.