James Henderson Brown Jr., a Christ follower, veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Grayson, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Jim, as he was commonly known, was born May 16, 1936 to Capt. James and Irene Brown. He had two sisters: Betty Apple (Ed) and Ricki Crawford (David).
Capt. Brown (Brownie) was a retired pilot for American Airways and instilled in Jim an early love for flying. Jim first took to the air as a 15-year old out of Harvey Young Airport, Oklahoma, in a two seat Aeronca Champ.
Years later, Jim met the love of his life, Barbara, while attending Oklahoma State University. The beautiful brunette caught his eye and captured his heart. They married in October, 1959. Together they had three children: Lisa Brown Hale (Matt) of Snellville, GA, Eric Henderson Brown (Sharon) of Dunwoody, GA, and Paula Rene Brown of Decatur, GA.
Jim’s cadet training started at Bainbridge Air Base in Georgia. He later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1958. Jim quickly rose through the ranks as a pilot and instructor. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in California, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Tennessee, where he retired with honors as a Lieutenant Colonel.
While in California, he was stationed at Travis Air Force Base, where he was a flight instructor for C-130 troop transports. Soon after, he and his growing family relocated to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. It was while he was at Tinker that Jim was sent to Pleiku, Vietnam as part of the Military Airlift Command (MAC). Jim recalled that as a trying time. While he was away, Barbara was holding down the home with three young children, praying for the safe return of her husband. During his time abroad, Jim was known for his unwavering faith. Even when the base came under attack several times, fellow airmen described him as calm in the storm. When asked why, Jim’s response was, “I know whose hands I am in, and where I will go if I die.”
Upon returning from Vietnam, Jim was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. He was honored to fly as a pilot for Air Force One. Serving during the Nixon and Ford administrations, Jim spent extensive time flying former United States Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, around the world on various diplomatic missions. He often used the wait time to play golf—his favorite hobby and sport. Jim played at many famous golf courses including Pebble Beach, Spy Glass, and Pinehurst, where he played with Sam Snead.
Nearing his retirement, Lt. Colonel Brown served as the Air Force liaison officer for the Tennessee Civil Air Patrol. In 1982, while living in Tennessee, he retired from the Air Force but stayed close to his love of flying by heading the private flight crew for Sea Ray Boats. After Sea Ray, Jim cofounded VIP Charter, flying celebrities and VIP clients around the United States.
Throughout his time in military service, Jim was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal (Taiwan), Air Force Longevity Service medal with five devices, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal with four devices, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal among others.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, Jim’s faith was the most important thing in his life. In 1994, he and Barbara made a pilgrimage to Israel and visited many of the sites where Christ walked. The trip was impactful and one they would always remember. As part of his personal ministry, Jim served his community and everyone that walked into his life with compassion. He was part of the Gideon’s and a greeter at Grace Fellowship Church for many years. With the Gideon’s, Jim handed out Bibles and was always quick to share the Good News. Whether it was at a college campus or local restaurant, he always made time for people. As a greeter at Grace, he showed genuine care and love to those coming through the doors. Many said he made time for them with a kind word, warm handshake, or hug. Jim believed relationships were the most important things in the world—first with his Heavenly Father and then with the people in his life.
Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara, his daughters and son as well as six grandchildren: Jessica Hoydar, Briley Hale, Cortland Hale, Lawson Hale, Emily Brown, and Grant Brown. He also had five great grandchildren: Frankie Hoydar, Wilder Hoydar, Navy Hale, Jimi Hale, and July Hale. His family has organized a small military graveside service to honor Jim’s military service, which will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery. A memorial service has also been organized to celebrate Jim’s life, which will be held at Grace Fellowship Church, 1400 Dogwood Road, Snellville, Georgia on May 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow.
Suggested Donations to:
Grace Snellville - https://gracesnellville.churchcenter.com/giving
Gideons International - https://www.gideons.org/donate
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