James A. Brown

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, the 17th at Collier Butler for James A. Brown, 79 who died on Sunday, August 15, 2010. The family will receive friends and family at 1:00 at Collier Butler with the service at 2:00. The Rev. Larry Fuhrman, Dr. Pat Adkison and Don Smith will be officiating. A private burial will be held at Crestwood Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services Directing.

James is survived by his devoted wife Janet Brown, his loving children Retha Brown Hagood (Jim Hagood) Vestavia, AL and Jay Brown (Kathy Kintz Brown) Hoover, AL. James leaves behind 3 Grandchildren, Christina Brown, University of Ala, Tusc., Lucas Brown of Hoover, AL and Tyler Hagood, Vestavia, AL; two brothers Roy Lee Brown (Elaine) and Harold Brown (Linda) both of Gadsden and many special nieces and nephews.

James spent most of his life in Etowah County, AL. After graduating from Southside High School and attending the University of AL, Tusc. he served 4 years in the U. S. Airforce, stationed in Germany. While in the Airforce, James played on their Semi-pro baseball team in Honolulu. For the next 43 years he was employed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Co in the shipping department. James was a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association for 50 + years. Officiating for the Gadsden Basketball Officials Assoc., the Gadsden Football Assoc., Gadsden Baseball Umpires Assoc., Etowah County Softball Umpires Assoc., and the Etowah County Volleyball Officials Assoc. James was of the Baptist faith. In his spare time James enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

The family wants to send a special thank you to our earthly angels Sonia, Tracey, Vicki and Lacey of Alacare; and a host of loving relatives and life long friends. James and his family appreciates all the phone calls, emails, visits and prayers from all over the state. A big thank you goes out to Eddie Robinson for cheering James up with his daily visits.

Please join the family for a celebration and story telling of James A's life at the summer home of his daughter(on the Coosa River) immediately following the memorial service. Directions will be on the back of the memorial folder.

Flowers will be accepted, but the family would love to find a cure for pulmonary fibrosis , donations maybe made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 W. Evergreen Ave 303, Chicago, IL 60642; www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.