James Melvis Brown

1945 - 2026

James Melvis "Poncho" Brown, 80, of Scipio, passed away at 10:52 a.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. He was born on June 8, 1945, in Las Cruces, New Mexico the son of Oca Melvis and Virginia Lois (Moss) Brown. He was a past resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico and currently resided in Jennings County. He retired from Reeves Pulley Company. James enjoyed working on cars, painting, woodworking and fishing. He married Ronda Ferrill on December 20, 1968, in Las Cruces, New Mexico and she survives. Other survivors include his sons, Jason (Michelle) Brown of Letts and James Brown of Scipio; his sister, Linda Tannahill of Las Cruces, New Mexico; his brother, Ernie Brown of Denver, Colorado; his grandchildren, Breanna (Noah) Dougherty and Brayden Wright and his great granddaughter, Lizbeth Dougherty. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Allen Pumphrey and his granddaughter, Brooke Wright. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with Pastor George Willette officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, April 2 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana through the funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com