James Brown

James Brown was born February 26, 1944 to the union of OC Brown and Lula Leeks Brown in Winnfield, Louisiana.

James Brown accepted Christ at an early age and joined the St. Savior Baptist church after his family moved to Natchitoches, Louisiana.  After graduating high school, James began making decisions concerning his future.  In 1965, James moved to Oakland, 
California just as his Uncle Exter and Aunt Lillian Jones had done several years before him.  Upon arrival he joined the Solid Foundation Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.

James returned to Natchitoches, Louisiana in 1967 to marry his bride, Mary Louise Flanagan. They were united in holy matrimony on July 8, 1967.  James and Mary settled in Oakland, California and started their family. To this union, 3 children were born.

James began working with the Oakland Public School District where he was the District’s first male teacher’s aide. He later accepted a position as a managing custodian.  He often boasted of working for the Oakland School District for over 40 years.

In 2004, James joined Good Samaritan Cathedral Church of God In Christ where he worshipped with his family and served as a deacon.

James passed away on December 30, 2019.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, William (WM) Brown, LeRoy Brown, Melvin Brown, OC Brown, Jerry Brown, Alvin Ray Brown, and a sister, Ora Lee Brown.

James leaves to cherish his memory, a wife, Mary L. Brown, his sons James S. Brown (Dawyana), Rev. Dr. Garry H. Brown (Alice), his daughter Chandra R. Brown, his sister Beverly Brown, his mother in law, Savannah B. Flanagan, 5 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and a host of other loving family and friends.  James will truly be missed.

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