James Norman Brown Sr.

James Norman (Pooh) Brown, Sr. was born October 7, 1937 to Mary E. Clayton Brown and John Quincy Adams Brown in Louisville, Kentucky. He is a retired Major of the Louisville Police Dept. and a retired Community Educator with the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Dept. in Frankfort, Kentucky.

James was baptized at the age of 12 at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He had active roles in the youth choir, YMCA, Royal Ambassadors, and Boy Scouts. These roles prepared him for service he would render at Beargrass Baptist Church; singing with the Male Chorus, founder and first president of the Seniors Ministry and serving as Trustee.

James graduated from Central High School in 1955 and attended City College in Compton, California and the University of Louisville. He was also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He received numerous civic and community awards for his civil rights involvements.

Jim served in the US Navy from 1955-1958. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer Third Class. He performed with the Navy Drill Team. He was an active member of Beargrass Baptist Church until his mental and physical health deteriorated. Throughout his illness, his faith did not waver. He knew that he had a heavenly home awaiting him and he was ready to go be with the Lord. At Arden Courts Memory Care Community, he often sang, “This Little Light of Mine.”

Two of his three sons preceded him in death; James Norman Brown, Jr. and Kenneth Morris Brown.

Cherishing his memory and celebrating his home going are his beloved wife of 41 years, Eva Jean; son, Terry Clayton (Kary); two sisters, Patricia Wade and Vivian Coleman; two brothers, Samuel Wiley (Juanita) and Rev. Clarence W. Brown (Ann), eight grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Beargrass Baptist Church with interment to follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Kentucky Heritage. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00-8:00 pm at the funeral home. A second visitation will be Tuesday from noon until the time of service at Beargrass Baptist Church.