James Darren Brown 59, son of Dorothy May Brown and Thomas Brown Jr., husband to Jeanette Brown who resides in Fredericksburg Virginia went home to be with the Lord on July 7th in the year of our Savior 2021 at 3:55 p.m. James D. Brown is survived by his wife Jeanette Brown and children: James Brown Jr, Jeanelle Bethany Brown and Jasmine Virginia Brown. His surviving siblings are: Thomas Brown III, Wendell K. Brown, Danette N. Brown, Nakia E. Christian-Brown, Shanell I. Brown and Batrice Ann N. Brown.
James’ two siblings that have gone on to be with the Lord are: Jerome C. Simmons and Duquice R. Brown.

James D. Brown was born on December 26, 1961, at 9:01 a.m., in New York City’s Metropolitan Hospital. James grew up in Harlem, N.Y. where as a young man he attended Holy Rosary Elementary School, completed his first communion and served as an altar boy at Holy Rosary Church on 118th and Pleasant Avenue. James went on to Brooklyn Tech, and then finished with honors at Alexander Hamilton High School in 1979. After graduating from high school, James would go on to Hunter College where he played Division 3 basketball and was awarded most valuable player 2 years in a row. James graduated from Hunter College with an Associates Degree in 1981 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army.
James fancied himself as a bit of a rap artist (007 Mr. BOND) and would often be seen practicing on his technique record players and using his Gemini mixer. His extensive record collection was the envy of the neighborhood and his prize possession.

Before leaving to go into the Army James met his future wife Jeanette, who was also from Harlem. They would later be married on August 19th, 1983 and have 3 beautiful children, who often referred to him as “daddio”, “pop-pop” or even “Daddy-kins”. James, Jeanelle and Jasmine when asked to describe him, it was as a protector, provider, poet, passionate, stern, teacher, servant, family man, selfless, quirky and a loving dad! Because of James’ military life they traveled extensively, living in Camp Zama Japan, Augusta Georgia, and Fort Drum NY. While in the service James achieved the rank of Sergeant, performed in the “Soldier Show” and received many decorations, metals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons. Among them were: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

After serving 21 years in the Armed Forces, James would go on to work for the D.O.D. and Homeland Security but not before graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007 with his B.S. degree in Social Work from Excelsior College and his M.B.A. from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2016.

Of all his achievements, James would recognize his acceptance of Christ and his privilege to serve as his greatest. He was a diligent student of the word and his church was often his refuge. He often attributed his early achievements to his mom Dorothy and her tenacious support of him. James would often say “where would I have been if my mom did not put that first book in my hand, if she had not been that person through whom my gift was 1st recognized. My mom is one of the most pivotal human beings in my short history”. James D. Brown was a man of deep conviction and flaws. A man who lived every day on purpose and who often spoke of the greatest quality anyone could have in this life- Forgiveness.