James H. "Jim" Brown

James (Jim) H. Brown passed away on December 16, 2025, on his 80th birthday. He lived a life defined by service, mentorship, love of the outdoors, and devotion to family.

James was a 1965 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, where he was a proud member of the state champion 880-yard relay track team. He continued his education at Tyler Junior College, graduating in 1967, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1970. He spent many years in the medical sales business.

An Eagle Scout with Palms, Jim was also a recipient of the God and Country Award, Wood Badge trained, and a lifelong Scouter. His Scouting journey included serving on the Philmont Ranger Staff in 1962 and 1963 and as a Charlie Guide in Ely, Minnesota, from 1964 to 1965. Among his favorite memories were pike fishing on Darky Lake and paddling in the stern of a Seliga canoe, water dripping from his paddle-moments that captured his deep love for the wilderness.

Jim passed this passion on to his son, Scott, who served on the Philmont staff from 1986 to 1988 and as a Charlie Guide from 1989 to 1991. Together, James and Scott were lifetime members of the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association.

His hobbies included running, fishing, hunting, woodworking, and spending time in the woods with his son. James was an active Scouter, coach, and mentor whose influence shaped countless lives.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Brown, and his father, John Ben Brown, of Henderson.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Cherie Ferrier Brown of Tyler; his son and daughter-in-law, John Scott Brown and Laura Taylor Brown of Mount Pleasant; his granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Ashlyn Brown Olsen and Corbin Olsen; his sisters, David & Joy Richards, David & Carolyn Sanders David, and Nita Garrett; and many nieces and nephews including Heather Beck, Darci Dunker, Matthew Richards, Carrie Joe Truitt, Amanda Sanders, and many grand nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association Scholarship Fund,
Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc.,
P.O. Box 428,
Ely, Minnesota 55731,
or online at www.holry.org/supportus.