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BORN
1969
DIED
2021
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James Brown Obituary
April 5, 1969 - January 11, 2021
Kathleen, Georgia - Lt. Col. James Paul Brown of the U.S. Air Force, age 51, passed away on January 11, 2021. At the time of his passing, he was the Commander of the 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base where he led 128 Airmen responsible for the operation and maintenance of $54 million in Deployable Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems.
Born in Long Beach, California, to Gary and Phyllis Brown, James was known for his charismatic personality, sense of humor, and was loved by everyone he met. His sense of adventure led him to enjoying being outdoors in nature where he loved to hunt, fish, surf, and do any activity in the ocean.
James joined the Air Force in 1988 and began his career as an enlisted Air Traffic Controller at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. As part of the enlisted force, he rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant before being chosen to commission as an officer in 2002. After becoming an officer, he held a number of positions as he rose in the ranks of the Airfield Operations Community culminating in his selection to command the 53rd ATCS on June 21, 2019. James' Air Force career took him and his family to bases around the globe, including Japan, Italy, Hawaii, Germany and Iraq. Additionally, he supported Operations Joint Endeavor, Joint Guard, Joint Forge, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. He also continued his education earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, Magna Cum Laude, from Embry-Riddle University and his Master of Science in Aeronautics, with Distinction, also from Embry-Riddle. Finally, during his 33-years in the Air Force, James received many major awards and decorations, notably the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Award, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with five oak leaf clusters, just to name a few.
Although he loved the Air Force, his country, and his Airmen, nothing compared to the love he had for his family.
James leaves behind his wife of 30-plus years, Michele Brown; children, Stephan Brown (Taylor), Rebekah Brown, Rachel Brown, and Hannah Brown; parents, Gary and Phyllis Brown; brother, Joel Brown (Lori); and niece and nephew, Sierra and Luke.
At the family's request, services will be private.
Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Brown
Angela Bennett-Engele
April 17, 2024
Michele,
I've spent time with you this week at DAF SAC. You're story has touched me so deeply. I hope to cultivate our connection. Through our loved ones deaths, we will find the light to spare others some of the pain. Be strong, forever. May your handsome, loving, honorable and devoted husband reat in peace.
Angela Bennett-Engele
DAF SAC 2024-2026
Andrew Pugh
November 28, 2021
I haven't seen or spoken to Jimmy in decades, but will always remember the times we spent together in junior high. We were best of friends and parted ways when we attended different high schools. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Michele Brown
June 20, 2021
If you have any memories or photos of JB, please reach out to us. Thank you for posting. We will be having his funeral in Arlington soon.
I was one of many people lucky enough to know Col Brown. So much so that my family and friends loved when I shared our memories. This man was one of the greatest humans I have ever met and a void is certainly left in me. My heart goes out to his family as
Jonathan Buchanan
May 17, 2021
Ella Cloud
January 22, 2021
I remember when I met you guys for the first time in bible study at North Church. As I got to know you I admired your love and devotion to God and one another. May James Rest In Peace and just know we are praying for your family.
Jeff Haynes
January 22, 2021
JB was a great friend and brother, deeply respected and universally loved by all. I worked with him at PACAF TERPS. Every day was better because he was part of our team.
Over the past days, after learning of JB’s passing, many of us at the Keesler ATC schoolhouse have shared funny anecdotes and warm remembrances of him.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Jeff Haynes
Jeff Haynes
January 22, 2021
JB was a great friend and brother, deeply respected and universally loved by all. I worked with him at PACAF TERPS. Every day was better because he was part of our team.
Over the past days, after learning of JB’s passing, many of us at the Keesler ATC schoolhouse have shared funny anecdotes and warm remembrances of him.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
joe and cheryl cander
January 22, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Paul
January 22, 2021
James was an all around great person, loved his family.
He was a pleasure to be around, alway joking around and making you laugh.
I will miss him immensely, so glad he was part of our family.
God bless, heaven received a great angel.
Michael Murphy
January 21, 2021
James was great father, awesome controller, commander and friend. Prayers for Michelle and the children.
John Klaiber
January 21, 2021
JB was one of the good guys. Always there for you when you needed him. He had a great sense of humor that I thoroughly appreciated. He will always be remembered as a great colleague, and a friend. You will be missed JB. God speed my friend.
Lt Col & Mrs Rob Chambers
January 21, 2021
James was one of a kind and if you knew him he would quickly become your favorite person. We will treasure all the moments and memories our family had with the Brown’s. May the memory of James be a blessing. We love you very much.
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McCullough Funeral Home417 South Houston Lake Road, Warner Robins, GA 31088
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