James Herman Brown

Lt. Col. James (“Jim”) Herman Brown (USAF Ret), 93, of Valdosta – God’s faithful child - ascended to Heaven on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

He was born on March 11, 1928 to Albert J. and Clara Mae (Fincannon) Brown. At a very early age Jim showed a love of airplanes. In his early teen years, he spent many hours at the local airport washing and shining airplanes in exchange for a short flight with the owner of the airplane. He learned to fly at age 15 (even before he could drive an automobile) and soloed long before he was 16 years old. His love of flying and airplanes grew into a desire to fly for his Country. After attending college at North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia, he entered the aviation cadet class of 1948 at Randolph AFB, Texas, which prepared him for a commission in the United States Air Force. He graduated this program in June 1949, receiving his wings and rank of second lieutenant.

Jim had tours at a number of bases before coming to Moody AFB in June of 1951 to become an instructor in the all-weather interceptor program. While there, he met the love of his life and local “songbird,” Susan Frances Witherington of Valdosta. After a whirlwind courtship, they married on March 11, 1952.

Throughout his career, Jim loved flying, his country, and the jobs to which he was assigned. He gladly served where our Country needed him. As part of his many military assignments, he flew 12 different aircraft, commanded an Atlas-F missile silo site, and analyzed and interpreted the classified photography of the U-2 aircraft. After numerous moves and three remote overseas tours, including one during the Korean War, he finally settled his family in Valdosta in 1966 when he was stationed at Moody for the second and final time to teach aspiring pilots how to fly. After his third remote overseas tour, he completed his last assignment at Warner Robins AFB.

Jim retired honorably from the Air Force after 24 years of service in June of 1972, a proud patriot and credit to the Air Force and his Country, a staunch believer in this one Nation under God, and a defender of democracy and freedom. He quietly demonstrated right over might, courage above cowardice, respect for law, and praise for God.

Jim’s whole life personified the Cornerstones of Character: Integrity - always doing what was right but perhaps not easy; Commitment to the greater good - making the selfless choice to benefit others; Responsibility - demonstrating the honesty and courage to pay the price of accountability; and Righteousness - choosing faithfully to humble himself before God. In short, he was honest, courageous, and dignified; focused on others more than on himself; was accountable for his actions regardless the consequences; and always honored God.

Jim’s survivors include the love of his life, his beloved wife of 69 years, Frances, and his two daughters, Deborah Cay (Debs) McIlhenny of Tampa, Fla., and Dr. Leslie M. Brown of Marietta, Ga., and many dear, close friends. Jim’s family and friends will miss him deeply and remember his quiet confidence and quick wit.

Funeral services for James Brown will be held Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 2 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta, followed by Military honors at the gravesite and interment at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Valdosta. The Reverend Dr. Anthony McPhail, The Reverend Dr. John McGowan, and Mr. Norm Conant will officiate. While flowers will be appreciated, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Commemorative Air Force, the Georgia Sheriff’s Boys Ranch of Hahira, or the First Methodist Church of Valdosta.
Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.