Coach James Edward Brown

Jim Brown (Coach) was born in June 1924, and passed away on February 22, 2014, at the Springmoor Retirement Community, Raleigh, NC. He grew up on the Brown family farm in Bailey, NC. In 1941 he graduated from Charles L. Coon High School in Wilson, NC, where he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He then entered the United States Army Air Force and served in the WWII European Theater for four years. After the war, he entered Atlantic Christian College where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. In 1949 he graduated with a BA degree in Health and Physical Education and fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a coach.

Jim’s distinguished coaching career of 35 years awarded him many wonderful memories and countless friendships. Over the years he coached and taught at Cary High School, The Methodist Home for Children (twice), Dunn High School, Columbia (SC) High School, Martin Middle School and Sanderson High School. One of the highlights of his career was serving with his wife, LaVerne, as house parents to young boys during his first tenure at the Methodist Home for Children. Many of them have remained actively involved in their lives. Jim was one of the key figures in the establishment of the Sanderson High School athletic program. He was the first Coach for both football and baseball, as well as the first Athletic Director. Under his direction, Sanderson enjoyed great success in all athletic programs and was awarded the All Sports Award for several years. Among his many personal awards and achievements was his induction into both the Cary High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Sanderson High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim’s legacy is not measured by the number of wins, losses and championships, but rather, by the number of people he touched with his kindness, sense of humor, and honesty. As a WWII veteran, Jim was recently honored by participating in the Flight of Honor to the Washington, DC, memorial. He was a long-time member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church.

Jim thought he had a “great ride” in life with the many associations he had with his athletes, students, friends and co-workers. The family cherishes these special memories and wishes to thank all of you who have shown him friendship and love over the years.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, LaVerne Horner Brown, son, Jim Brown, Jr. (Luanne), daughter, Debra Brown Grady (Kelly Finch), grandchildren, Amanda Brown Vick (Brian), Matthew Grady, Jonathan Grady, great grandsons, Andrew Vick, Collin Vick, brothers, Frank Brown (Doris), Doug Brown, sisters-in-law, Adele Brown, Paula Long (Joel), Jean Horner, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Liles Brown, father, Cornelius Arthur Brown, infant grandson, James E. Brown III, brothers, B.W. Brown, Charles Brown, William Louis Brown, sisters, Marjorie Finch, Mary Rose Tilley.

Visitation will be held at the Springmoor Retirement Community Great Room, Monday, February 24, 2014, 6 pm – 8 pm. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at 2 pm. There will be a family burial Tuesday at 10 am at the Bailey Cemetery, before the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC 27605; Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603; Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

The family wishes to thank the Springmoor Stewart Health Center Staff and Hospice of Wake County.

Arrangements are by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh. Condolences may be made through brownwynne.com.