Obituary of James Brown

Only one life 'twill soon be past Only what's done for Christ will last Another WWII veteran has departed this life for his Heavenly home to be eternally with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his loved ones. James (Jimmy) Albert Brown, 92, of Roanoke, VA went to Heaven June 10, 2014. He was born May 10, 1922, in Blue Ridge, VA and was the last surviving child of Ollie Mae Swartzel Brown Norton. Preceding him in death were siblings Audrey, Lewis, Margaret and Joe; special brother-in-law, Robert Hufnell of Richmond; nephews Lewis Lambert and Roy Lambert of Roanoke. He joined his "angel," the love of his life, Frances Lucille Thomason Brown, to whom he was married for 61 ½ years. "This life and one more" was an often heard quote that held a promise for him. Anxious to join his bride in Heaven, through the grace of God and by his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he has been given this other life for eternity. Praise be to God! With his gentile spirit and infectious smile, he embraced and encouraged those who came into his life. Jimmy was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved God, family, and country. At age 80 he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. First Baptist Church Roanoke family, including Berean and Dorcas Sunday School classes, brought friendships that he cherished. He often asked what he had done to deserve such love from these wonderful people. He was excited about the new building program for the youth. He expressed his concern about the responsibility his church has to lead young people to Christ. He wanted to see his family and his church family do all they can in this cause through the love of Jesus Christ. He knew that at the end of life the only thing that matters is our relationship to Jesus Christ. This is his legacy to his family. Jimmy proudly served his country 1938-1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII in the European Theater and also served in the Marine Corps Reserves. These years shaped the remainder of his life. He proudly displayed the American flag on his lapel and at his home. He was currently enjoying life at the Virginia Veteran's Care Center in Salem, VA living with other veterans with dignity and respect. Recent months at the Care Center had brought new excitement and renewed spirit. Our family extends love and appreciation to the staff who lovingly cared for and encouraged him. We also wish to thank many at the V.A. Hospital in Salem who have been a part of his care. He was blessed because of each of you. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and C.B. Clemmer of Roanoke; three grandsons and their wives whom he adored and admired: Rodney and Christine, and Chris and Jackie of Roanoke; James and Kathryn of Orange County, VA. Papa loved his six "babies," his great-grandchildren: Jace, Sophia, Luke, Aidan, Sarah and Ethan; nieces, Brenda Bowman Catoe (Vinton) and Marchie Hufnell Norman (Richmond); nephew, Bobby Hufnell (Richmond); Aubrey Lambert (Roanoke). In lieu of flowers please consider donations to First Baptist Church Roanoke (Connecting Campaign), 515 3rd St, Roanoke, VA 24016; or Virginia Veteran's Care Center (VVCC Indigent Fund), 4550 Shenandoah Ave, Roanoke, VA 24017. A home-going service will be conducted at 11:30 Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 Friday evening at Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.