Obituary of James Lawrence Brown, Sr.

Mr. James Lawrence Brown, Sr 89 of Utica, NY was called home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2023. James was born on May 11, 1933 in Petersburg, VA to late Deacon Melvin and Dolly (Ruffin) Brown. One of eleven children. At an early age the Lord became an important part of his life, he was baptized at Gravel Run Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, Virginia. After working several different jobs in Virginia, James decided to test the waters in another state, so in the sixties he moved to Baltimore, Maryland to work on the railroad. This job opened up many opportunities and exposed him to many different states and cities. After 10 years of living Baltimore area James found his forever home from one of his railroad routes and moved to Utica, New York in 1970. In, Utica, James became a member of the International Masons and Eastern Stars as well as a member of Friendship Baptist Church. An avid reader and a serious sports fan with baseball being his favorite and his team of choice was the NY Mets. A man of many talents he was as a baker at Delorios and worked in the beanery at George’s Farm in Clinton, NY. Family was also another strong influencer in his life. Known as “Daddy James” to countless children that he fostered with his wife Alice. Left to cherish his memories are daughters: Patricia Brown (Bobby) Taylor (Houston, TX), Rosa Brown (David) Smith (Petersburg, VA) and Shirley Williams (Utica, NY); sons: Calvin (Theresa) Brown, James “Jaime” Brown, Jason Brown and Ulysses Brown all of Utica, NY; sister Doris Lucille Beasley (Dinwiddie, VA) and sisters-in-laws: Alvia Mae Diggs and Otelia Burrow both residing Petersburg, VA.; 89 grandchildren and 63 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, childhood friend Marian Smith and very special friends Joe and Barbara Watkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives Rebecca, Joann, and Alice, nine siblings, son James and grandsons Devon and Andre. The family would like to acknowledge the medical staff at St Elizabeth Hospital, especially Dr Leo Sullivan and his surgical team, along with The Abraham House in Rome, New York for the compassionate care they provided our father and to all those who have extended their support during our time of grief.