James William Brown Sr.

BROWN, James William "James Bebbs," of Richmond, Va., departed this life April 22, 2014 at his home in Midlothian, Va. after an extended illness. He was born in Powhatan, Va. on February 19, 1932. James proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he was honorably discharged, holding the position of Sergeant, in November 1952 due to a physical disability. Upon returning to Virginia to visit his mother in the hospital, James met and fell in love with nursing intern, Emma Jane Ferebee. They eventually moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., and on June 14, 1957, the two were married, forming the unbreakable and united front of Mr. and Mrs. James and Jane Brown. Determined to be the strong provider he believed he should and to secure his family's future, James founded Brown's Maintenance Service. With his keen sense of business and unwavering work ethic, his company became a tremendous success and one of the industry leaders in the New York market for almost 40 years. James' two greatest goals in life were to become a successful business man and devoted husband and father. On January 4, 1963 and July 22, 1967, his dreams of becoming a family man were complete, with the birth of his two sons, James Jr. and Joseph Andrew. Above all of his accomplishments, James loved and adored his family. On August 13, 1993, James lost his beloved wife, Jane. And in 1998 he hung up his work boots for retirement, returning to his home of Richmond, Va., where he remained until his passing. James was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Jane Ferebee Brown; mother, Susie Robinson; father, Peyton Harris; stepfather, Julian Robinson; adopted mother, Lelia Bebbs; adopted father, Joseph Bebbs. He is survived by his two sons, James William Brown Jr. and Joseph Andrew Brown; grandson, Julian Anthony Brown; brother, Daniel Robinson; cousin, Geraldine Brown; his favorite and devoted niece, Della Scott; nephew, Paul Jones; sister-in-law, Rosie Harris; daughter-in-law, Jeannine Borzello Brown; goddaughter, Lesa Marie Wiggs; lifelong friend, latter day companion and partner in crime, Evelyn Tucker; along with numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Remains rest at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St., where funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 30, 11 a.m. Rev. Ronald C. Taylor officiating. Visitation in New York will be held on Friday May 2, 11a.m.-1p.m. Interment to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery located in Kew Gardens Queens, N.Y. Arrangements under the direction of Thomas M. Quinn & Sons, Astoria, NY.