James C. Brown

JAMES CHARLES BROWN was born May 20, 1939, in Baltimore City, Maryland. He was the eldest son of Clarence (Pete) Brown and Helen A. Brown (Quill). He silently slipped away from his earthly home to be with his heavenly father in the early hours of July 12, 2026. James was educated in the Baltimore City public schools. He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1958. Following graduation, he found employment at Waverly Press. In August 1960, James was inducted into the U.S. Army. He served honorably, and was discharged in 1962. After his return from military service, he was employed at General Motors Corporation. While working there for many years, he decided to continue his formal education. He enrolled in the Baltimore City Community College, and earned his Associate of Arts degree in June 1971. James continued to work full time at various jobs while adjusting shifts and work schedules so that he could take classes to obtain his advanced degrees. He was awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree from Morgan State College (University) in May 1973, with a major in Social Welfare. James used his B.A. credentials to begin work with families and children at the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. Over his working life, James was employed with the National Urban League; Allied Chemical; United Iron and Metal; and the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Continuously working full time, James fulfilled the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work from Howard University in May 1984. James married Orpha Armstrong in July 1986, at Waters A.M.E. Church. Together they built a home life that was characterized by hard work, and strengthened by love and faith. James and Orpha were blessed to be married for forty years. James always encouraged education for family members and set an example for them. He was proud to have been a support to his sons, Taavon and Randee who earned degrees at Morgan State University, and Hassan who earned his degree from North Carolina A&T State University. James joined Waters A.M.E. Church in the 1980’s. He served as a Steward under Rev. Ronald Braxton. He also served as Cub Master for Boy Scout Pack 295, which was granted its charter by BSA in December 1994. James worked with the Lay Organization, and for many years worked on the Soup Kitchen/Community Lunch team every third Saturday until it was discontinued following the COVID pandemic. He assisted with several special projects of the church Brotherhood. Following his retirement in 2001, from full time employment, James later became the sexton for Waters A.M.E. Church. As a young man, James developed an interest in jazz recordings and artists. He amassed a substantial collection of vinyl recordings. This continued from his youth to his senior years. Following his retirement, James made time to take music lessons on clarinet and saxophone. In his senior years, James was fortunate and appreciative to have friends who knew him from his youth. They were an encouragement to him as the waning years diminished his memory. Those friends included “Fruity” Colston, Otho Coleman, Randolph E. Elzey, Lawrence Lloyd, and James (Birdland) Wing. James was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Helen Brown, and his siblings, Delores Belton, Kenneth Brown, Arnold Brown, and Bernice Lawrence. James will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Orpha; three sons, Taavon, Randee (Linda), and Hassan (Lisa); grandchildren, Christopher, Allison, Ezra, Emory, Emmanuel; great-grandchild, Arielle; sisters, Paulette Brogden, Barbara Brown; adopted son, Jimmy Reed; and a host of other nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Tributes

James C. Brown

May 20, 1939 - July 12, 2026