James Martin Browne

Cherryville – Mr. James Martin Browne, 66, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia. He often said that it would all 360 in the end, and he faced life-and its final chapter-with that same steady faith and acceptance.

Martin was born on December 19, 1959, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the son of the late Robert Clemmer Browne and Norma Elizabeth Proctor Browne. A hardworking man, Martin spent many years with Beam Construction in Cherryville before going out on his own as a co-owner of Masonry Unlimited. He was known for showing up, doing the work right, and then getting a good night's rest so he could do it again tomorrow.

A man of deep faith, Martin was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cherryville for many years and was part of the founding of the New Beginnings Sunday School class taught by the beloved Frankie Beam. He trusted in the Man above and found peace in simple routines-especially early mornings, when he liked to watch the sun rise in the east, greeting the day with quiet reflection.

In addition to his parents, Martin was preceded in death by an infant sister, Susan Patrice Browne, and an infant grandson, Maverick Browne.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Jason Browne (Rosalyn); his daughter, Blair Browne Mauney (Hunter); two grandchildren, Nollie and Drayton Browne, all of Cherryville; three sisters, Carol Browne of Cherryville, Melissa Beam (Stan) of Cherryville and Nancy Russell of Gainesville, Georgia. He often spoke of his final landing spot as being among those he loved most, and his family was always at the center of his life.

The family will receive friends from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 113 Suncrest Drive, Cherryville, NC 28021.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Cherryville with the Rev. Wayne Key officiating.

Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a charity that was close to Martin's heart, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the Browne family.