Obituary of James C. Brown

It is with sadness that the family of James “Jim” C. Brown announces his passing, at the age of 86, on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Jim passed away at Nathan Littauer Nursing Home with his loving family at his side.

Jim was born on March 13, 1933 in Atlanta, Ga to Jewel B. Kane. He lived in Atlanta until the fall of 1947 when his family moved to Gloversville, NY. Jim attended Gloversville schools and graduated in 1953. Jim was a phenomenal athlete and had received scholarships to play football and baseball as well as an opportunity to try out for a Negro League baseball team. Jim decided to join the military instead as he realized he needed more structure in his life and knew the military would provide it.

In 1953, Jim enlisted in the US Army and served in Panama, Germany, and Korea. He later enlisted in the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) and served with the 10^th Mountain Division, in Gloversville NY where he retired as the First Sergeant. Jim was passionate about the military and worked diligently to train his soldiers to be the best they could be, not only within the military but also within their daily lives.

On December 27, 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Catherine (Jones). They have enjoyed nearly 58 years of marriage. He enjoyed golfing, camping, going to casinos, barbecuing and most of all his family.

In life, Jim worked as a construction worker then moved on to become the first black police officer in Johnstown, NY. He next worked at Winig’s Slipper factory working his way up to become the foreman. During that time, Jim discovered his passion for youth and began volunteering at the Tryon School for Boys. He so loved working with the youth that he decided to leave his full time job at Winig’s to become a Youth Division Aid at Tryon. During his time at Tryon, Jim returned to school to get his associate’s degree and became a counselor at Tryon. He moved on to become the Assistant Director at the Tryon Girl’s Facility, retiring in 1995.

Jim was a member of the People's AME Zion Church, Negro Action Committee, and a member of the Sacandaga Lodge  #1462 (IBPOE of W) for more than 50 years. He was very active in the local community, having served on various committees with the Mayors of Gloversville and other city and local officials to help improve the opportunities for the youth and the community at large.

 Jim leaves behind his beloved wife Catherine, sons Bruce Simon, Norman Jones, Steven “Tutor” Brown (Kendal), Marcus Brown (Cheryl), James Brown (Nikalah) and daughters Carol Williams, Jewel Brown-Gregory (Johnnie), Eleanor “Lynn” Brown (Karen) and Tina (Ligon) Cook. He was predeceased by his daughters Marian Brown and Susan Henderson.  Jim will be missed by his grandchildren Bruce Jr, Brian, Albrionna, Norman Jr, Tiffany, Danielle, Michael, Leaijia, Corey, Mario, Miguel, Quiahana, Jay Marcus, Tricia, Shawn, Sharise, Tracie, Catherine, Chloe, Cherokee, Zechariah, Marian, Nia, Jacqueline, Matthew, Micah, Faith, and baby Zaylen.  He was predeceased by his grandson Wayne. In addition, Jim leaves behind his sisters Maude Hall and Gloria Hall, a brother Kristopher Kane (Lacey), a goddaughter Donna, special cousins Thomas Leslie, Stanley Leslie, special niece Patricia Murray along with several great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his daughters Marian and Susan, Jim was predeceased by his mother Jewel B Kane, Stepfather Elias ”Jack” Kane, sisters Christine Hall and Marion Sephas, brother Henry ‘Jack’ Leslie, step-sister Eva Kane Thomas, step-brother Jimmy Kane,  and special cousins Billy Brown and Virla Clay.

Jim was a proud family man. His biggest personal achievement was being able to support and help his immediate, extended and community families.

Jim will be remembered for his love of golf and love of community, but most of all for his love of FAMILY.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2pm to 5pm, Sunday Oct. 13, 2019 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St. Gloversville, NY 12078.

A second visitation will take place from 9am-11am on Monday October 14, 2019 at the Foothills United Methodist Church, 17 Fremont St. Gloversville, NY 12078, where a Funeral Service will take place immediately following at 11am.

Interment will take place at the conclusion of the church service at Prospect Hill Cemetery, S. Kingsboro Ave. Gloversville.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the Adult Daycare Program at the Johnstown Senior Center, 109 E Main St, Johnstown, NY 12095 or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205

Arrangements are entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home.