James Derrell Brown

James Derrell Brown, age 82, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a longtime resident of Graford, Texas.

James was born on January 24, 1944, in Fort Worth, Texas, to JD Brown and Noma Hurley Brown, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in Fort Worth, attended Fort Worth Public Schools, and graduated from Paschal High School. As a youth, he was a Boy Scout, and even later in life, despite dementia, he could still recall the Scout Oath and Law. He also never lost his sweet tooth and especially loved ice cream and cookies—often happily snuck to him by his sister Lena, a small joy that brought big smiles.

In 1963, James proudly joined the United States Air Force, serving until 1965 when he received a hardship discharge. He deeply valued his time in the service and often shared that he wished he could have continued, as the discipline and values of military life suited him well.

James married Patricia Ann Butler in 1963. Together they had five children: Dean, Chris, Teresa, Susan, and their second son, Derrell, who passed away at three months old. The marriage ended in divorce in 1975.

On February 14, 1976, James married April Brown, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. James and April are faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and their marriage was sealed in the Dallas Temple on August 30, 2003. They lived in several states before returning to Texas in 1984 and settling in Graford in 2006, where they shared their home with their grandchildren Nickie, Antonio, and Miguel, who passed away in 2013.

Throughout his life, James worked in many fields, but his greatest passion was the newspaper industry. Beginning as a teenage paperboy delivering the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, he later worked for several newspapers. He especially loved mentoring young paper carriers, teaching them responsibility, pride in hard work, and life skills that stayed with them long after their routes ended, especially riding a bike

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, April Brown; his children, Christopher Brown, Dean Brown, Susan Saldana, and Teresa Brown; and his bonus children, Elizabeth Hardin and Antonio Garcia. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, and his bonus siblings, David and Linda Hauser, Steven and Barbara Hauser, Lena Crusha, and Valorie Hauser.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Derrell Brown; his bonus son, Miguel Garcia; his great-grandson, Miguel B. Garcia; and his brother-in-law, Michael Crusha.

James will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, love of family, and the quiet lessons he passed on throughout his life.

A service to honor James’s life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 822 SE 22nd Ave., Mineral Wells, Texas 76067, on February 6, 2026. A viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Salesville Cemetery.