James "Jimmy" Oscar Brown

ENFIELD – James “Jimmy” Oscar Brown, age 84, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024. Born in Hampton County, SC on September 9, 1939, he was the son of the late James Lewis Brown and Sara Louise Mosely Brown. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Nolan Brown and Jackie Lewis Brown, and his sister, Mary Virginia Brown Smith. Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and so much more. He was a veteran of the United States Army and Navy and proudly served his country. Most notably, Jimmy was a chef on a U.S. Naval Ship during the Cuban Missel Crisis and enjoyed recounting his many memories of his time on the ship. Jimmy absolutely loved to cook. Probably best known for his delicious pancakes and BBQ chicken on the grill, you could find Jimmy many days making food alongside Carolyn in the kitchen to share with his family. Jimmy was proud to be from South Carolina, making sure to bring his family fresh SC peaches every season and insisting that white rice be served instead of potatoes at holiday meals. Jimmy never met a stranger, striking up conversations and making friends wherever he went. He loved to go visit family in South Carolina, take trips with Carolyn to the NC Mountains, go fishing for crappy with buddies and family, and for many years, go to White Lake with his family. Jimmy’s sharp memory made him the best storyteller, the recounter of any fact you could imagine, and the expert in all things UNC sports. There weren’t many days that you could call Jimmy that he wouldn’t have a joke or two ready to share. He was truly one of a kind and was loved by all. Most importantly, Jimmy loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his faith and church were very important to him. Jimmy will be dearly missed but the family is thankful for the hope we have in Jesus that he is fully healed in Heaven with Him. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Jean Adkins Brown; his daughters, Melinda Brown Griffin and husband, Pat, of Red Oak, and Anita Brown Carter and husband, Todd, of Rocky Mount; his grandchildren, Amanda Griffin Hurst and husband, James, Corbin Arch Griffin and wife, Nicole, and Erin McKenzie Grimes; and great-granddaughter, Darcy Rose Hurst. A Funeral Service to celebrate Jimmy’s life will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Todd Lewis officiating. Burial will follow the service at Elmwood Cemetery in Enfield. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations in Memory of Jimmy to Tabernacle Baptist Church in Enfield, NC. The family would like to say a special thank you to all the UNC Nash and ECU Health caregivers, especially the ECU Health Palliative Care Unit, for their kindness and care they provided to him. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.