Died February 2, 2021.

McAlester High School, McAlester, OK

History

Obituary:

James M. Brown, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 in Sherman, Texas.

James was born on July 30, 1952 in Holdenville to Clarence Brown, Jr. and Carrie Mae (Knox) Brown. To this union, he was the only child.

During his grade school years, he attended school in San Francisco, California, the Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA), and the Holdenville Public School system. He graduated from Holdenville High School in 1971. He later went on to further his education at East Central University (ECU) in Ada where his major was Psychology and minor in Political Science. He graduated from ECU in 1974.

In that same year of 1974, he married Clarice Williams and they made McAlester their home. To this union, two children were born: James, Jr. and Tiffany.

James soon after went to work for the McAlester Public School system where he taught Psychology for more than 40 years, retiring in 2016. He returned to work for the McAlester Public School system in 2019 where he taught world history.

During his first tenure with the McAlester Public School System, he served in other official capacities such as City Councilman for the City of McAlester, first from 1982 to 1992, again from 1994 to 2003, then currently from 2018 to present. He proudly served Ward 4 and as Vice Mayor. He also served on the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, appointed by Governor Brad Henry, and served for eight years. Six of those years as a board member and two of those years as chairman.

James, affectionately known as “JB” by his family, friends and students, was loved by many. He took the time to get to know those in his life; and paid a great deal of attention to concerns, issues, suggestions, and ideas, whether it be from a family member, friend, student, one of his Ward 4 constituents, or any citizen of McAlester. He encouraged his students to get involved in city, state, and US government, and was known to invite students to attend City Council meetings so that they could become familiar with the process and to know what all was going on within the city. JB was also known to bring prominent figures to speak to students in the classroom; something they all seemed to have enjoyed.  One of his most proud and talked about guests was also a very special friend to him, the late Rev. Wade Watts. JB believed in empowering his students with as much knowledge, information, and wisdom as possible.

The Afro Student Union (ASU) was very dear to James. It was designed not for some, but for all students who wanted to join. ASU exemplified what JB’s main goal was in life; and that was to bring all people together regardless of who they were, what they had, or their walk of life; to include them and made sure that they knew the purpose for their life mattered.

During his already busy life, James found the time to become a great asset to other state entities such as the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) and Carl Albert Community Mental Health Center by rendering his time, service, consultation, and dedication to their daily operation. James was dedicated in many other aspects, both known and unknown through his life. He lived a life of service and was highly respected by all that knew him.

James leaves to carry on his legacy his daughters: Jamie Kennedy (Kevin) of Houston, Texas, Tiffany Brown-Chance (Alan) of Fort Worth, Texas; son: James M. Brown, Jr. of McAlester; grandsons: Darrion, Kamren, Jackson; granddaughters: Paige, Makayla, and Kaitlyn; 4 great-granddaughters; his great aunt: Jean Roberts of McAlester; and a host of cousins and friends who all meant a lot to him.

James was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence Brown, Jr. and Carrie (Knox) Brown; his paternal grandparents: Clarence Brown, Sr. and Izoller Pope; his maternal grandparents: George and Rebecca Knox; former mother-in-law: Bertha Williams; and special friends: Rev. Wade Watts and Senator Gene Stipe.