Coach Jim Ray "Coon Dog" Brown

Jimmy Ray (Jim) Brown 79, of Soddy Daisy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 23, 2025, following a brief, but brave fight with cancer. Jim was born on May 7, 1945 to loving parents Clifton and Ruby Brown of Oliver Springs, TN. He was born the oldest of eight children, which set the foundation for his deep love for family. He graduated from Oliver Springs High School in 1963 where he played football and served as co-captain of the team. He was a lifelong Bobcat, always cheering on their athletic teams and keeping up with classmates.
Jim met the love of his life, Connie Massengale in 1962. The two were introduced by his second cousin and fell in love after many Saturday night dates at the Carefree Drive-In Theater in Oliver Springs. They were married on August 28, 1964. Jims career as a welder began in Gary, Indiana at Inland Steele Mill. He later relocated to Combustion Engineering in Chattanooga, TN where he worked for 43 years. Together they had a son, Jimmy, and daughter, Valarie. Through the blessings of marriage, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, the family Jim and Connie built together grew into his greatest achievement. He was a beloved husband, father, papaw, and "Papaw the Great".
On June 19, 2011 Jimmy suffered a massive brainstem stroke. With all the odds against him, he astonished the medical community by breaking barriers and giving hope to other stroke survivors. He was a huge believer in the amazing work that Erlangers Stroke Center does. Be that nothing is impossible with God.
"Big Jim" never met a stranger. He had a love for life and competition that was unmatched. If there was a game or contest in any form, Jim would probably beat you at it. Or make you keep playing until he won. Many knew him as Coach Brown from coaching baseball, softball, and football at Middle Valley Recreation. He loved the Tennessee Vols and spent many Saturdays with Connie singing Rocky Top at Neyland Stadium. Jim was an enthusiastic coon hunter throughout most of his life. He earned the nickname "Coon Dog" from his friends after years of nightly hunts and raising countless hunting dogs. Most importantly, Jim loved Jesus. He was always the first to share what Jesus had done in his life. Even in his last days on earth, he was quick to remind us all that his hope was in God and heaven was his home. Because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, Jim is now healed and spending eternity with his Savior.
Jim coached 3 generations of kids, taking one of his girls softball teams to states and worlds and bringing home the win.
He was known as "The Head On Kid in football. Jim was an incredible football player but was hard hitting. When Jimmy Brown hit you, every bone in your body rattled.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Clifton and Ruby Brown; his brothers Terry, Wayne, Doug, and Steve; nephews Jason Griffith, Anthony Brown, and Jeremy Massengale.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Connie; son, Jimmy (Robyn) and daughter, Valarie (Dennis) Ward, both of Soddy Daisy; brother, Larry (Lisa) of Oliver Springs; sisters Alma Lively (Billy) and Wilma Griffith (Bobby Kilgore), both of Oliver Springs; sister-in-laws, Rhonda Brown and Lisa Brown, both of Clinton; six grandchildren, Chad (Amanda) Brown, Brittany (Jesse) Hayden, Scott Ward, Jacob Brown, Titus Brown, and Riley Brown; eight great grandchildren, Abby and Reese Brown, Amelia Brown, and Jackson, Sadie, Nora Kate, Hollyn, and Shepherd Hayden. He is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Brown, Jacob Brown, Titus Brown, Scott Ward, Jesse Hayden, Matthew Lively, Bear Lively, and Casey Daughtery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Amedysis Hospice Care Chattanooga for their compassionate care and for enabling us to give Jim the time he wanted with his family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Stroke Foundation
The family will receive friends and loved ones from 11:00 till 2:00 on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the funeral home. Services will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Darrell Winters presiding. Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379.
Services
Visitation
Saturday
April 26, 2025
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Williamson & Sons Funeral Home
8852 Dayton Pike
Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
Funeral Service
Saturday
April 26, 2025
2:00 PM
Williamson & Sons Funeral Home
8852 Dayton Pike
Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
Cemetery
Hamilton Memorial Gardens
Hwy 153 South
Hixson, TN 37343 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Coach, please visit our Tree Store.