James Gregory "Greg" Brown, age 52, went home to be with our Lord on August 23, 2020, after a short but courageous fight against Cancer. He died peacefully with his devoted wife Derria by his bedside, holding his hand.
Greg was preceded in death by his father Cleo Brown and brother-in-law Billy Weaver.
Greg was born October 10, 1967 in Jacksonville, Florida. He is survived by his wife Derria; mother, Marjorie Brown; two sisters Sue Weaver, and Donna Walter (Greg); brother-in-law Donald Rebstock (Samantha); two sisters-in-law Terri Cintron (Tony), Tracey Ransom (Jim); numerous nephews and nieces; extended family members; and his much loved Fur Babies.
At the young age of 10, Greg accepted Christ as his savior. Greg graduated from Sandalwood High School Class of 1985. He loved attending the school functions and keeping in touch with his high school friends.
Greg was employed by FRCSE, NAS, Jacksonville, for almost 36 years, as a Jet Engines Accessory's Mechanic from 1984 to 2020. He started work through the HS vocational program in his senior year. His motto was: Do A Good Job Every Day. Not Under Their Expectations But Your Own. Life Is Short.
In 1997, Greg met Derria Rebstock, the Love Of His Life. They were married in just 7 short weeks after he proposed. In 2006, Greg and Derria moved to Bostwick, a small community just outside of Palatka, where they were active in the community and participated in many events including the Blue Berry Festival held annually. They loved this community and their home where they raised a menagerie of animals. They lived there for over 13 years before moving back to Jacksonville to be closer to family.
If you knew Greg, then you knew he was a big Georgia Bulldog Fan. He loved Star Trek and never missed an episode or a movie. "Live Long And Prosper", he would say today. He and Derria loved to drive around and explore new places and Florida History. Greg enjoyed keeping up with his many friends on social media. He was a big story teller and loved to tell about his day or a new place he visited or history of some of the historic places he visited. Greg had a crazy sense of humor and always wanted to make people smile and laugh.
One of his last wishes was for a neighborhood drive by car parade so that he could get out on the porch and see everyone one more time. His classmates at Sandalwood High School, in coordination with the JSO Blue Lives Matter group, organized the event and many other family, friends, and organizations jumped in to get the word out and participate. The community stepped up and gave Greg more than he could have ever imagined with dozens of fire trucks, police cars, police motorcycles, police helicopter, many car clubs, big wheel trucks, motorcycle clubs, as well as, friends and family. Hundreds of vehicles showed up to make that day a day he would treasure forever. He was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. Our family could not be more thankful for each and every person who joined in, to make that day so amazing for Greg. Greg even made the news with this big community event.
Family, friends, the Sandalwood alumni, the Bostwick Community Club, Derria's work family and countless others were so very kind to donate time, money, and care to help see Greg and Derria through this difficult time of their life.
Greg said he knew God had healing hands but he also had a plan and he was determined to make the best of his days by keeping his spirits up, always smiling, and wishing everyone peace and love in their lives. Greg will be missed by all that knew him.
Funeral Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery.
Due to Covid19, a private ceremony for family only will be held with Pastor Andrew Wilkes, Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church, officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held for Friends and Family at a later date.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church to be used toward the Youth Group or to a charity of your choice.
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