James C. Brown was one of the first African Americans to matriculate at Harding University following the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1963. He is the eldest of eight children born to Thomas and Pearlie Mae Brown in Augusta, Arkansas. The Brown family were sharecroppers initially, but eventually went on to own their own farm. This labor-intensive background instilled a strong work ethic that would enable him to earn a plethora of notable achievements. JC began his formal education in both the then-segregated school districts of Woodruff and White County. Faculty members at both institutions spoke highly of his achievements both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

JC excelled during his tenure at Harding College, though the experience was taxing. The Harding College administration was forced to reverse their position on segregation following the 1963 Civil Rights Act. JC Lewis Brown, Walter Cunningham, and David Johnson were greeted with contempt and derision as Harding College president George Benson escorted the three first African American students to chapel service. JC vividly recalled incidents of racism and outright hatred from various White County residents. Multiple attempts were made to run him over as he walked through the “white side of town” to attend classes. Despite these obstacles, he focused on his education, effectively helping to end desegregation and dismantle Jim Crow.

JC maintained he never felt disenfranchised, or like a second-class citizen. He never allowed anyone to make him feel marginalized, or like he couldn’t achieve anything that he wanted, especially when he put his mind to it. Failure was simply not in his DNA.

JC’s burgeoning tenure at Harding was interrupted when he was drafted at the height of the Vietnam War where he was assigned to Special Intelligence Operations while stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. His exemplary service earned him several awards including the National Defense Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, an Expert Badge, and the Medal of Good Conduct. Following an honorable discharge from service, he broke another oppressive barrier and was appointed as special assistant to Arkansas Governor Winthrop Rockefeller.

A staunch supporter of civil rights, JC served as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Human Resource Council within the Rockefeller administration. His office advised employers and labor unions on policies to ensure compliance with provisions to prevent discrimination at the state, local, and federal levels. He was instrumental in enabling African Americans to obtain viable positions. JC left politics to direct his talents toward entrepreneurship and started a company that hired women as part of his staffing model. A natural leader, he was instrumental in growing the sales revenue for various Ford dealerships, winning numerous competitions, year-after-year.

JC obeyed the gospel at 16 and was later mentored to begin speaking at both the College and West Pleasure St. Church of Christ (Searcy, AR). He continued to direct his talents toward serving Christ and was installed as an elder at Lewis Street Church of Christ in Little Rock, AR. He and his family spent each Sunday ministering face-to-face with members, convalescing in the hospitals, at homes, and in nursing facilities, providing the opportunity for bedside worship.

JC was a man of faith and a biblical scholar who chose his words carefully. He often reminded us that while breaking barriers and pursuing secular achievements we should keep spirituality as our top priority. Failing health challenges influenced his decision to worship virtually. On Sundays and Wednesdays, with the assistance of his daughter, they participated and studied with the Eastside Church of Christ, Garland, TX, where his family attends.

JC’s devotion to his family and congregants is reflected in how they revere him and consider him both a leader and a role model. A faithful Christian soldier on many fronts for equality and social justice, he will leave a legacy that continues to reflect on the lives of his family and the members of his community. A role model to his community and family, we will miss JC Lewis dearly. We are thankful to have had many years of his loving presence!

He is survived by his wife, Lynda of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Latonya Lindsey, (Jonathan) Frisco, Texas; Shonda Brown, Princeton, Texas; son, Bretton Lewis Brown, Wappingers Falls, New York; grandson Jackson, Frisco, Texas. His siblings include five sisters and two brothers: Mae Brown, Spring Valley, California; Denores Blackmon, (Albert) Smyrna, Tennessee; Thomas Brown, Spring Valley, California; Jean Brown, San Diego, California; Jerome Brown, San Diego, California; Marsha Hackworth, (Roger) San Diego, California; and Mary Brown, Spring Valley, California; loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on James’ obituary page by clicking on the following link:
https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/james-c-brown The family will receive friends during a visitation on Monday, April 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.