Graveside services for James Lee Brown, age 65, of Sulphur Springs, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Rockdale Cemetery with Bro. Mike Eason officiating. Wendell C. Grimes, Brian “B.J.” Wright, Roy George, Randy Walker, Allen Baxter, Barry “Moon” Smith, Trent Miller, and Kelly Broyles will be serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to service, at West Oaks Funeral Home.
James passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026 after a long 6 year battle with cancer. He was born on the front steps of the old Sulphur Springs Hospital, now the Public Library, on Christmas day in 1960, to Virgil Ray and Sue Nell Morgan Brown. He attended both Cumby and Sulphur Springs ISD and enjoyed playing football in his youth. He was a member of Rockdale Baptist Church and gave his life to Christ at a very early age.
James was the most hardworking man you will ever meet. At 17 years old, he went to work as a lineman retiring from Red Simpson Inc. 23 years later due to an injury. Afterward, he spent his time doing his own farming and raising cattle. In February 2013, he went to work for Gillis Ranch and later became the ranch foreman. After 13 years, he was still enjoying every second of it in his last days.
He enjoyed spending time at the farm, riding horses, going on trail rides, and hog hunting. He once won a hog calling contest while on storm break in North Carolina. He especially loved spending time with all his grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife of 42 years, Angie Daniels Brown; 4 children, Amber Gilbert, Morgan Brown and Morgan, Jessie Brown Seale and Kyle, and Clay Brown and Kaitlin; 14 grandchildren, Shane and Alena, Lane and Kaitlyn, Ally, Kyleigh, Brantley, Landrie, Rance, Tinlee, Averi, Layton, Laryn, Rhett, Rustin, and Aubrey James; 1 brand new great-granddaughter, Raelynn; brother, Jackie Brown; as well as numerous extended family members and life-long friends. He was preceded in death by both his parents and sister, Juanita Wood.
The family would like to say a special thank you to everyone who was there for him during this difficult time. Your prayers, lending hands, donations, and friendships are greatly appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
