James A. Brown Jr. departed this life on Sunday, January 19, 2020. Born May 26, 1959, James (Jimmy) was the first in the six-pack of children born to James Sr. and Elaine Brown. Jimmy spent his formative years in Akron, Ohio where he attended Lincoln Elementary School, Thornton Junior High, and South (BIG BLUE) Senior High School. Jimmy loved sports and played both football and baseball as a youngster. He also loved playing basketball and would compete vigorously against his nieces and nephews. Jimmy relocated to Columbus, Ohio in the mid-1990s where he resided until his passing.
Jimmy was a beautiful free spirit and never guarded in his emotion toward his family. He had an uncanny ability to bring the most serious stone face to a situation but would easily render his forgiveness followed by a smirk and hearty laughter. Jimmy loved fashion like no other and knew how to dress to impress – with coordinated hats and shoes that complimented his outfits. Friends and family were never surprised to see him at special events supporting family members and dressed like a distinguished gentleman.
Jimmy loved working with his hands and held many occupations that enabled him to fulfill his talent for both putting things together and taking them apart. Jimmy’s passions were the visual arts, drawing most specifically, and music. Picking up a drawing utensil to create a magical work of art was something he did often and it is a gift he has passed on to his two sons. The medium he would choose to draw on did not matter much to him at all. It would not be uncommon to witness him using a paper napkin, cloth canvas, or a cardboard box for his art. Even a bedroom wall could be recruited as a means for creating his works. He loved to express himself through his distinct and beautiful drawings.
Though as passionate as he was about art, his greatest passion was being a great father to his two sons, Si’E and David Timothy, on whom he doted both his love and any material gifts he could obtain for them.
Jimmy loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was water baptized as a youth at Victory Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio. If he could say one thing even right now, I believe, he would say to all of his family and friends I love you without measure and we will all be united again one day. Do not be sad because we all know the promises of God and that he never leaves or forsakes his children. Jimmy would encourage his children to go to church with their Aunts, even when he was not able to attend, knowing full-well the value of how a relationship with Jesus Christ had sustained him as a youth and in difficult times during his adulthood.
Jimmy is survived by loving family, sons Si’E (mother Marva Carter) and David Timothy Brown (mother Ebony Hinton), his beloved parent(s) James Allen Sr. and Elaine Brown; Siblings Donna (husband Brenton Savage Sr.) of Delaware, Ohio, Lisa Brown of Columbus, Ohio; Veronica (husband Quintin Sims), Darrin Brown of Akron, Ohio, and Keasha Brown of Alexander, Virginia, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation 4:00pm and Funeral 5:00pm Saturday, January 25, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.
Jimmy I’ve loved you since we were children together & I’m missing you dearly already my lifelong friend. I’m sad that I’m not able to come see you off to Heaven in person. I send my heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends & loved ones. Rest in Paradise my friend.
Thoughts & prayers go out the family. Jimmy will be greatly missed. We had some great times together cuz. Now you’re made whole. Rest in the arms of God Jimmy.
Death is no enemy of man, it is a friend, who when the work of life is done just cuts the cord that binds the human body to earth, that it may sail on smoother seas.
Jimmie, you will never be forgotten, rest in peace family!
Rest in peace cuz love you
Prayers goes out to his family at this condolences and sympathy for a child hood classmate rip
Praying for the Brown family praying for your strength and peace in god
On behalf of the Edwards family I extend our sincere condolences and prayers to the Browns. The summit lake families were one family. We walked to Lincoln and Thornton, played around open M and NEVER went into the lake. Jimmy, Rest In Peace.
May God comfort your family.
#SummitLAkeStrong
I will always remember your friendly ways the time you took to say hello and have a good day .God bless the Brown family and comfort their syblings and parents in this time of sorrow ,peace be still.
My Condolences to the Brown family, so sorry to get the news of Jimmy’s passing, this cat Jimmy was one of the most polished charismatic people that I’ve ever met, stayed sharp as creases and you could always expect a good time and exciting conversation, rest easy and in peace my brother
My condolences to my Brown family. I’m going to miss your messages and your real. Love you Jimmy. Melanie Langston❤
Rest easy big homie from the Thomas family southwest side for life
Rest in peace Jimmy Brown, my condolences to the family.
Thank God for childhood friends and memories, as this life has changed from the days of old. May you rest be peaceful your family know the strength of God. And we all rejoyce togeather again in heaven. Love your old Thornton and South high class mate.
Prayers going out to the Brown Family. May God left you up in your time of lose. To my Nephew Si’E I know how much your Dad meant to you, I’m so sorry for your lost
Condolences to the Brown family our hearts go out to you’ll. Deeply sorry that we weren’t able to make it. I believe that you’ll know we love you’ll with all of our hearts and we’ll be praying for you. May Elohim comfort you in your time of grief. Sincerely from the Reed family.
Rest in Peace cousin Jimmy, May god Bless you.
Cuz may your family be comforted by our heavenly Father as you take your rest. I love the Brown family
and will continue praying for all our family to grow closer to God and one another.