Mr. James Cagny Brown, Jr., 56, passed away on June 5 at UAB Hospital in Birmingham.

Brown was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lewis and Lola Brown, and Renice and Angie Lee Phillips.

Brown is survived by his wife, Shannon Brown; his parents, James C. Brown, Sr. and Peggy Brown; his children, Scott Brown (Alyse), Elizabeth B. Powell (David), Amber Brown, Kayla Brown, and Joshua Brown (McKenzie); his grandchildren, Jacob Brown, Baylee Tittle, Bryce Powell, Jenna Brown, Addisyn Brown, Carter Powell, Mason Brown, Becklyn Powell, and Annlee Hysmith.

Brown was born on May 31, 1963, at Bryan Whitfield Memorial in Demopolis. He was a follower of Christ from a young age. The last thing he pulled up on his phone were the lyrics to Jesus, Sweetest Name I Know. Brown graduated from Lanett High School in 1981. He went on to attend Southern Union and later transferred to Auburn University where the highlight of his time there was playing basketball recreationally with Charles Barkley.

Brown was a true Sports fanatic. He’ll always be remembered as a devoted Alabama football fan; his family can still hear the way he would yell, “Roll Tide!” whether Alabama was ahead or behind – it didn’t matter to him. James knew every lyric to every Rolling Stones and U2 song written. His children have the fondest memories of him singing at the top of his lungs driving down the road with the windows down. James was light-hearted and free-spirited. All who knew him will remember him for his wit and humor – he could always make jokes no matter the circumstance.

Brown was our unofficial local weatherman; he was actually a Certified Weather Spotter through Skywarn. His family would ask him about the weather instead of looking at the local weather channel.

Brown was his children’s biggest fan in anything they pursued in life. When they looked in the crowd, they always knew they would find his face there. He carried this love over into the lives of his grandchildren – always showing up. Brown will always be lovingly remembered as daddy, son and papaw.

Brown will be greatly missed – more than words can say. But, his family rests assured knowing they will see him again.

Brown’s family will hold a memorial service at the First Baptist Church of Lanett on June 10 at 2 p.m. EDT. 

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. EDT until the service hour at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in James’ memory to the Marfan Foundation, www.marfan.org, 22 Manhasset AVE, Port Washington, NY 11050.

Please visit our website at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a condolence for the family, to share a memory of Brown, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.