James Henry Brown

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James Henry Brown of Brandywine, Maryland, peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Johns Hopkins Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. A man of great faith, he will be remembered for his strength, grace, and devotion to those he loved.

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James Henry Brown was born on December 25, 1947, in Washington, DC, to the late Lena Rebecca Brown and the late John Walter Brown, Sr.

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James was united in marriage to his beloved late wife, Shirley A. Brown. From this union, they were blessed with one child, LaCole A. Cole. James also had a close, loving relationship with his son-in-law, James R. Cole, Jr., whom he proudly regarded as a son. He treasured every moment with his dear granddaughter, JaNae Cole, whom he lovingly called his little angel. Her presence filled his heart with happiness.

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James received his education from Prince George’s Public Schools and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in 1964. During his high school years, his commitment to the varsity track and field team earned him numerous awards and recognition for his exceptional speed and outstanding performance. He was well known for his amazing agility in the 100-yard dash and remarkable sprinting ability. His zeal to achieve was a part of his very essence. He learned the priceless value of hard work and dedication from his parents, which provided the map that led him in a noble direction to become a pivotal leader and a man of distinction.

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James began working at Prince George’s County Public Schools in 1966 and retired after 45 years of diligent service as a building supervisor. James was a one-of-a-kind entrepreneur who provided stellar lawn care services for various individuals and businesses. When you saw a beautiful, meticulously manicured, out-of-sight lawn, automatically, one thought, none other than Mr. James Brown did that fantastic work.

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James enjoyed attending basketball games, watching television, and driving his 1982 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe. His unwavering enthusiasm showed that he loved being a family man and spending lots of time with family and friends. Every summer, James planted and cultivated vegetable gardens and found great joy in sharing the fruits of his labor; it was a genuine labor of love.

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To know James was to love him, he was a man of great faith; he touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, and genuine spirit. His gratitude greeted each person with a smile; a smile that embraced any stranger with warmth and light. James was a man of his word, known for his honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.

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James was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Brown; mother, Lena Rebecca Brown; father, John

Walter Brown, Sr.; one sister-in-law, Delores Sellman; three brothers-in-law, Paul Cole, Charles DeVille,

and Oscar DeVille.

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James leaves to cherish his fond memories: his loving daughter, LaCole Cole; son-in-law, James Cole, Jr.; granddaughter, JaNae Cole; two sisters, Edna Reid and Mattie Brown; one brother, John Brown, Jr.; three brothers-in-law, Paul Reid, Wayne Jones, and Carl Savoy; three sisters-in-law, Linda Brown, Mary DeVille-Jones, and Theresa Savoy; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

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Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 17510 Horsehead Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613
Interment Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735

You may leave your condolences at: James Henry Brown (1947 – 2026) – forevermissed – Online Memorials