James Earl Brown was born on April 14, 1968, in Jasper, Texas, to Rosemary Brown and the late Ervin Elvie Brown.

James grew up in Jasper and graduated from Jasper High School in 1986. Over the years, friends and family called him "Brown".

James was preceded in death by his father, Ervin Elvie Brown.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Jamika Brown, Jamericka Brown, Kristina Brown, Tamauzie Brown, NaTayshia Brown, and Dylan Brown; 5 grandchildren; his mother, Rosemary Brown; longtime companion, Carolyn Lynch; siblings, Sheila Armstrong (Ryan), Flora Bartee (John), Celeste Brown, Ervin J. Brown (Chrissa), Tavi Grant, Leroy Brown, and Kenya Brown (Patrick). He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.