James Edward Brown

James Edward Brown passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, at the (young) age of 102. He was born into this world on November 16, 1922 to Myrtle Tucker Brown and Dewey Dixon Brown in Hardin County. His childhood was spent on a Tennessee farm, close to the rhythm of the seasons enjoying God's bounty. As the eldest of nine children, his summer days were filled with chores-planting, hoeing, and picking. The fall was devoted to studying in a one-room schoolhouse with a potbelly stove for warmth. He and his favorite mules were witness to change as telephones and electricity reached his rural county.

Bigger changes soon followed with the advent of WWII. He was drafted into the Army Air Force, and after training, was sent to The Philippines as engineer/gunner manning a 2-person A-20 bomber. He saw much action in the 417th bomb group. His squadron, 675th "Dauntless Demons" lost 3 planes on the bombing and strafing mission which hobbled his plane. After a rough landing with wheels stuck and only one engine, they discovered over 300 bullet holes. Wounded and bleeding, he never once mentioned his distress to the pilot; his strong faith carried him through. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

That quiet determination impressed a certain girl, Betty Weatherford, from his hometown. They wed and later worshipped at Cherry's Chapel United Methodist Church. After graduating from Mississippi State, he started an illustrious career with Woodmen of the World insurance company. From Mississippi to Texas, he and his wife created a rich life with a strong foundation. Along the way, two daughters were born. As he excelled at his profession, he was named state manager of southeast Texas. He was a steady and committed manager who trained others to be the same.

Retirement fueled a second career in promotions and he met many fine community members in his new hometown of The Woodlands, Texas and through The Woodlands Methodist Church. His love of family guided his interest in building a lake house to entertain. Many weekends spent roasting marshmallows and tucking grandkids into bed with Betty beaming by his side.

His second retirement saw a renewed commitment to his wife and a dedication to learning new skills. Cooking and caregiving were a surprising development. His love shone in these moments and he always had a treat ready for the newest great grandchild and eagerly made cornbread for his daughters. A late-life love of keeping a diary and writing his memoirs also fueled a passion for drawing. If you knew James, you would receive a drawing and an oatmeal cookie for your visit. His kindness was genuine and his love for family, God and country, was on display every day of his life. He had a real bond with his special angels from Grace's Haven who cared for him like family. Mr. B, as he was affectionately nicknamed, was a man who rarely spoke but when he did, everyone listened.

James was preceded in death by the love of his life, Betty Weatherford Brown; his parents; siblings: Ruth Nabors, Gaston Brown and Billy Brown; and his treasured grandson, James Allen Swearingen.

He is survived by his loving daughters: Cherry Brown Damianoff and husband Greg, Martha Brown Swearingen and husband Jay. And his granddaughters: Katherine Damianoff Hassell and husband Jonathan, Andrea Swearingen Morrow and husband Heath; and four great-grandchildren: Oliver Morrow, Evelyn Morrow, Jackson Hassell and Wyatt Hassell, and three sisters: Mary Jo Johnson, Bettye Miller, and Wanda Calvert, her husband, Mike; two brothers: George Brown, and Robert Brown; along with a host of extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held on November 3, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 18000 Interstate 45 South, The Woodlands, TX 77384, in the Grand Hall.

The funeral service will follow on the same day, November 3, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, also at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery in the Grand Hall.

Reverend Billie Hunt is to officiate

A private burial will be held by the family after the service.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in memory of James Edward Brown may be directed to Montgomery County, Texas Meals on Wheels: 111 South Second, Conroe, Texas,77301, or by visiting mowmc.org