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James Brown Obituary

BROWN, James W.M. Smith-McNeal Fuenral home pays tribute to the legendary Mr. James Brown. We have created an interactive web page for the community honoring the life of the Godfather of Soul. Please visit www.wmsmithmcnealfh.com to pay our tributes. (Click on James Brown's picture)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Dec. 29, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for James Brown

Not sure what to say?





Bill Harren

March 29, 2022

James Brown; 5-3-1933--12-25-2006, saw you perform at the Monterey County Fairgrounds Conference Center,1963, Monterey Ca. You put on a fantastic show, the best,along with my two brothers,an uncle, ( all gone ) and friends. We were amazed. Miss you, your musical gifts. My deep condolence to the Brown family. Bill Harren

April 22, 2020

My condolences to the family
I remember. James Brown as a little girl
I seen him, for the first time in my life, at a show place on 43rd and King Drive in Chicago. What a special treat, that was. I followed him from then on and was sad when he passed away. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family.

November 27, 2019

My heartfelt sympathy to the family's...May God be a God of all Comfort...

Carmen Leon

November 24, 2019

I will always have you in my Heart James Brown, Godfather of Soul... I Love your music, I love you ❤❤❤

Dora Tutson

September 21, 2019

James Brown the father of soul may you rest in peace we will miss you and always love your music say it loud I am Black and I am Proud from Tutson family dora priscilla chris chris jr andraya london king tutson we love you

Peter Ayiwe

April 26, 2019

Respect to the legendary soul singer of our time.
May your soul find peace with God.

Patricia Wilson

July 29, 2018

There will only be one father of soul, That Mr James Brown The God Father of soul, you will be greatly miss, your music will live on forever, say it Loud I. Black and Proud. Love you God father of soul. SIP

Inez Andrews

Jazmine Jernigan

February 24, 2017

I Missed James Brown He Was The Best Godfather OF Soul.
Jazmine Elizbeth Jernigan

Frederick Lindsey

December 24, 2016

Thinking about life how it comes and goes And the God Father of Soul. Not with us ,passed away on Christmas 2006 Came to my mind out of the Blue Watching his U Tube Videos Man he could move Though I'm. all alone on Christmas Eve The comfort of watching him perform put me at ease .I love you Though I never met you I grew up watching you and played your tunes on the record player Today you put a smile on my face.And made my life easier to make it through this day Rest In Peace James Brown.

Valenda Newell

June 26, 2016

The original FUNK TEACHER, no copy cats please..lol..we all know several tried to copy his dance moves that have become legendary. When you are the greatest that comes with the territory. You let the world know the most important movement in this country by putting it out there...SAY IT LOUD I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD and then going on tour spreading the word...I remember as I was up in the bleachers singing along with you JAMES...you will always be in my heart..THANKS FOR SHARING..LOVE U

May 26, 2016

R.i.p

Jeanine Martincavage

April 26, 2016

What a legend Father of Soul may u rest in peace.

camille Frith

January 29, 2016

James Brown the father of soul you will be truly missed and always in our heart.R.I.P brother

Harry Simpson

December 25, 2015

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Jeraline Danner

May 23, 2015

R. I. P. JAMES

Lois Weiss

October 18, 2014

Lost Someone & Bewildered

T.rip MILES

September 4, 2014

I never will forget the first time I seen you in SUNSET LAKE Park in Tidewater,Va. in 1964 You were the greatest!!! I also remember you coming to the Petersburg REC you were a legend

Stephanie Ford

August 31, 2014

Mr. Brown, you were electrifying in concert at Rockford Park in Wilmington, Delaware.

I will miss you,

Rest In Peace.


Stephanie Ford ,

Joyce Melvin

August 24, 2014

If I had the chance to have met you-that would have made me smile.If I had the chance to attend your funeral-that would have made me cry.

steve knight

August 15, 2014

James you should adorn all history books.

Sabrina Cooper

August 11, 2014

My farther john lewis cooper loved you so much james that he broke down you will always be my dad idol love uJ.B the cooper's....from oakland,ca

August 1, 2014

THE MOVIE WAS RIVETING!

Atlantis

February 23, 2014

J.B you were electrifying a show stopper in your own right. May bless you for leaving such a legacy behind. R.I.p JAMES

DeLinda Young

January 25, 2014

Rest In Paradise, Godfather Of soul

Herbert Taylor

September 20, 2013

R.I.P J.B

Valerie Lenon

September 19, 2013

He was a legend. Rest in peace

June 11, 2013

Rest in peace the only godfather of soul

charlotte lee

May 4, 2013

Happy Birthday James gone but never forgotten.
Much love
Miss Soul

March 10, 2013

I would "LOVINGLY" CONTRIBUTE TO A PERMANENT TOURIST MEMORIAL VISITOR'S SITE MUCH LIKE GRACELAND.... YOU WERE A CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER...SAY IT LOUD I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!
I MISS YOU... TANA SUNDOWN MEADOWS

Arthur Williams III

March 7, 2013

Simply the greatest entertainer,composer,writer, and band director to ever live. Soul Brother #1 will live forever in the hearts of his millions of fans.

Richard Owen

March 2, 2013

We Felt Good, When We Had You! Rest In Peace, Mr. Brown. See You On The Other Side.

FOREVER REMEMBERING JAMES BROWM...

Consuela Sanchez

March 1, 2013

Carin Knight

February 28, 2013

will always love your music now the band up in the sky must be jammin

brianna cole

February 5, 2013

hey Mr. James Brown RIP I keep your family lifted in prayers Im doing a project on you for black history month an yea you and micheal jackson and dianna ross are my role models of soul music :)

Annie Marie Barnes

January 22, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Peter Ayiwe

January 18, 2013

As a growing teenage in the 60/70s your songs mould me into a positive social being, never to be forgotten.
Thanks for your contributions to social life's your memories live on, rest in peace.

wesley Alls

January 15, 2013

to the family of James Brown my prayers are with you all

SCHNELLE CHAVIS

January 11, 2013

sitting here listening to your music is like your still here, just to let your family know how many life you and your music has touched REST IN HEAVEN GOD BLESS

charlotte lee

December 25, 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS JAMES, ALWAYS LOVE, ALWAYS RESPECT I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU OR ALL YOU DID FOR ME. MAY GOD KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
LOVE,
MISS SOUL

Faye Johnson

December 13, 2012

James i will always love you,your music the way you dance and everything you stood for...you are miss but not forgotten....RIP

Faye Johnson

December 13, 2012

James Brown has been a part of my life since 1964 and i've followed him until the day he died...i love all of his music his dance moves and there is none othe like him...you will be miss but never forgotten...I Love You James Faye Johnson

Clara Bell

December 10, 2012

I truly loved James Brown and his music. When I was a teen I would show off my ability to dance like him. No one could beat me. Even when I accepted Christ and began teaching Sunday school my Pastor would be tickled when he heard me quoting lyrics from some of James Brown songs as I taught the word of God. One Christmas my Pastor bought me a James Brown doll. I still have it today. James was just a preacher. His dance was his praise before God and the world. RIP James! Clara Bell ( Rochester,NY )

J Gayle Gaymon

November 22, 2012

What alife!

Fran Thompson

October 18, 2012

To james brown i knew u for a short time however listen to ur music for year.s thank you for taking the time to sing i feel good to me while in georgia and carolina u are in peace and made it to the other side with ur kind soul ur alway.s with all of us my sympathy to ur familx alway.s ur friend and sister in christ me

ELISE LEFLORE

September 5, 2012

"R.I.P. GOD-FATHER OF SOUL"

Linda M. Smith

August 23, 2012

It's hard to believe that almost six years have gone by since this perfectionist has crossed over. He was my #1 entertainer, and he is surely missed.I can only imagine what the family is going through, because I know what I still go through. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all, and although he is gone, he will NEVER be FORGOTTEN

Elisha Harris

August 1, 2012

You were the first singer I could remember growing up. Thanks for all the music I've enjoyed for 56 years. Say it loud I'm black and I'm proud.

mary stanley

July 16, 2012

r.i.p. james brown you will always be the godfather of soul try me

Anita Taylor

May 4, 2012

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mr. Brown. I'll bet there is a great Line up waiting just to Jam with you and The Heavenly JB All Stars. Wow, it's gonna be " A Funky Good Time ".
Rest well and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Connie Robinson

February 12, 2012

Gone but never forgotten.

God Father of Soul. God Has Smiled On You!

Connie Robinson

LaTasha Voelkel

February 12, 2012

R.I.P. to the true Godfather of Soul. Thank you for blessing us with your talent, your spirit, and your music.

February 9, 2012

rip

yolanda brown

February 2, 2012

R.I.P. nothing but love for you hardest working man! i finally got to meet you and i was on a cruise and met your aunt. we probably are related, none the less, i am still your biggest fan. i miss you so much, someday we will meet again. love, love.LOVE you cuz.

Nikki San Martino

December 15, 2011

James Brown,The God Father is still greatly missed.The great music I hear on the radio everyday.If James was alive today and recording there would be some new CD's that we would be jamming to.The memories of JB are legacies of "LOVE"

Reginald Sanders Sr.

November 14, 2011

I remember the performances at the Apollo Theater and other venues first class performances everytime!!! I often visit Augusta, GA and the James Brown Park!
James, you and other singers of the time truly had your hands on pulse of America...
You are truly the Godfather of Soul and Soul Brother Number#1
Gone but not forgotten!
I wish you a peaceful journey...

Shirley Caldwell

November 10, 2011

Rest in Peace.

virginia wilson

September 25, 2011

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

james roman

August 21, 2011

We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. We're sending you a hug from afar.

Yvonne Walker

August 12, 2011

Oh JB I miss you! I play your music all the time and remember your wonderful performances. No party of mine is without your music!! I'm currently reading a book about you 'Say it Loud'. Miss you JB, your music and memories lives on

June 20, 2011

James Brown. The name says it all. His was the first concert I ever saw live. I must been about 10 or 11 years old. I have always and will always truly love the music and passion displayed by Mr. Brown. I hope that Gods loving words found at Revelation 21:3&4 helps to bring hope and peace to the family.

Sincerely,
P. Nesbitt

Bessie

April 28, 2011

Your memories still lingered. Hope your children are still coping with their loss. John. 5:28,29 still have that hope of a ressurection.

Dar'jon Bentley

April 22, 2011

Dear James Brown you are my favorite idol and it was very cool hearing you say "I'm black and proud." My favorite song you did was,I feel good. I will never forget you.

Deborah SilverKnight

January 29, 2011

ALWAYS in our hearts&minds! Thankyou,James! your music will live forever...Thankyou,for being a part of my life! BLESS YOU!!!!!

CHARLOTTE LEE

December 25, 2010

GONE IN THE PHYSICAL, BUT PRESENT IN MY HEART. I MISS YOU AN LOVE YOU JAMES, THANK YOU FOR BEING APART OF MY LIFE.

CHARLOTTE LEE

December 25, 2010

GOD IN THE PHYSICAL BUT PRESENT IN MY HEART MERRY CHRISTMAS JAMES AN THANK YOU FOR BEING APART OF MY LIFE.

N V

November 24, 2010

i love you michael always

N Vassell

November 24, 2010

i love james brown becuase i am a lover of souls

W. Evans

September 29, 2010

To the James Brown family my condolences. James Brown his message and music resonates with me today and empowers me and makes me proud that I am an Afro-American.

C. M.

September 27, 2010

May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort your family and friends, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."" Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.

alicia parks

September 23, 2010

to the brown famliy imso sorry for the lost of your dad may god be with you and st ay up in prayers love ali cia parks

T. SLATER

September 9, 2010

JAMES BROWN WAS TRULY THE HARDEST WORKING MAN IN SHOWBIZ AND THE GODFATHER OF SOUL, HE WILL DEFINATELY BE MISSED. HE MAY HAVE DEPARTED THIS LIFE BUT IS MUSIC WILL FOREVER LIVE ON.

WE LOVE YOU JAMES AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

August 26, 2010

A FAN FOR LIFE WE MISS YOU JAMES BROWN AND YOUR GREAT SOUNDS THAT I MISS SO MUCH.I DANCED TO IT I SKATED TO IT I CHILLED AND JAMMED LISTENING TO THE KING OF SOUL MR.JAMES BROWN TOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND THOUGHTS. BARBARA POPE DAYTON ,OHIO

Charlotte Lee

August 20, 2010

Still think of you an missing you even more.
Miss Soul

Tiffany

July 10, 2010

Hello. Even though Mr. Brown's death has been a while, I would still want to send my condolences and God-given strength to the family and friends he left behind. I would like to relate an encounter I came across on throughout my family when we were preparing my grandmother's obituary,(who had passed away in August 2009 at the age of 92). She was one of the best alteration seamtress around,so much so that my uncle remembered this and told the family that she used to work backstage at the Royal Theatre in Baltimore, MD. She performed alteration work on celebrities that would come perform and one of them was the most captivating, fascinating, dance-machine, Mr. James Brown himself! I couldn't believe it because of her humility, she never told us grand-children about the theatre job! He was polite but yet full of energy.(smile). I had to share that true life story that happened in my own family, as well as share a Bible scripture in John 11:25,26. This tribute goes to the Man who was one of the greatest entertainers of all time!!

kisha

July 8, 2010

i give my deepest condolence to the family james brown i will like to share an encouraging thought with u the pain,the greif, and the feelings of helpnessness can seem unbearable. at such times,we need to go to god's word for comfott.(corinthians 1:3,4)

Rosa H. Black

June 24, 2010

Mr. Brown, definitely, was a man of courage, strength, determination, and perseverance, because of him and so many other, during that era, they have paved the way for future generations. His legacy will forever remain in the hearts and minds of many. To the family
please continue his dreams, we have came this far by faith, leaning and trusting on the Lord, who have never failed us yet. Mr. Brown's soul is at peace, his work here on earth is done.
RIP - Godfather Of Soul.

maria victoria moreno

May 30, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Stacy Goldsmith

May 29, 2010

Got To Cry was the 1st James Brown song I ever heard...I might have been 3 years old at the time. My mom bought all of his records.... she even sang his Good Good Lovin' at the Apollo Amateur Night one time. I only regret that I was too young to travel to NY and see her sing it....I saw him frequently at the Uptown Theater here in Philly...once I was 1st to run up to him during a show...as he came out of a side door holding Papa's Brand
new Bag...once other people saw him too, he was rushed...and thankfully my mom rescued me from the crowd...I was about six yrs old...I will always play, dance to, listen to, and sing with the Godfather....he provided the soundtrack to my life...rest in peace Soul Brother Number One.

Gisele Bennafield

May 11, 2010

OH, But There Is Rest For The Weary! Rest On God-Father Of Soul.

LaDora Wilcox

May 5, 2010

RIP the God Farther of Soul.
Thank you for the memories.
The World misses you.
God Bless.

March 20, 2010

For James...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

Hadiyah Saleem

February 25, 2010

James Brown will never be forgotten.He will always remain in the music Hall of Fame in our memories.What a legacy this man has left behind all great music to enjoy.The music music never dies and will always be treasured from generation to generations.

GWEN HOLLOWAY

February 4, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends."

JOHN FALKENSTEIN

January 16, 2010

HAD THE PRIVLEGE TO SEE YA LIVE AT THE FLAMINGO L.V. FIGHT BROKE-OUT AND U SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOOLS.GREAT SHOW! JBURULE

January 16, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

A Guest

January 15, 2010

To the Family ~ Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it, and memories of their laughter and smile. These are gifts of love that are ours to keep. Though I do not know the family, I would like to extend my condolences. May the tender mercy that God has always shown be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone. And may the prayers of others help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day. Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts at this sad time. - Isaiah 41:10 & 13.

Monique Brown

January 9, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

charlotte lee

January 1, 2010

As we begin year four without your earthly presence know that you will always remain in my heart an on my mind. Happy New Year James
love an respect,
Miss Soul

charlotte lee

December 25, 2009

December 25Th, 2009
1:45 a.m. est

Three years ago to the hour you went home to be with our Lord an savior, not a day goes by that I do not think of you an thank God that he allowed you to bless my life, know that I will never forget all that you did an ment to me, although I know you are in a better place your presence is truly missed now an always.
Love an respect,
Merry Christmas
Miss Soul
Charlotte

cheri weiner

December 4, 2009

Jemes Brown:

What a legacy he left, and what a musical carerr he had.

When my teenage daughter performed her acrobatic routine in the city's summer competition, she lost out to a young boy who did the imitation of James Brown, "Please Please Please", not a single word sung, only the begging, pleading, and crying. Seemed like not a good comparison to talent, yet, it wass as it was.

Happy you were able to enjoy the good things in life, and finally, all the concerns that were left after you were gone, have finally, apparently, been solved and no longer fight over all you worked for.

Rest in peace, and enjoy the legacy you left with so many.

charlotte lee

October 14, 2009

Still in my heart, now an forever not a day goes by that I don't think of you an Bobby an all the good times we had, you will never really be gone, nor will Byrd as long as I have these wonderful memories of you both stored in my heart. Loving you both an missing you even more.
Charlotte
AKA
Miss Soul

[email protected] /Joe Fazio

October 13, 2009

For James...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio

Arneatha Flemming and Family

August 30, 2009

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nay Jackson

July 7, 2009

Happy belated 4th of July and I really admired you because they alway say you and my mom favored (lol).

CHARLOTTE LEE

June 21, 2009

HAPPY FATHERS DAY JAMES, YOU ARE STILL VERY MUCH IN OUR HEARTS AN ON OUR MINDS, WHAT A BLESSING YOU WERE TO MANY.
LOVE ALWAYS,
MISS SOUL

Charlotte Lee

May 29, 2009

Still in my heart now an always thank you for being real an reconizing the real people in your life, always love, always respect.
Miss Soul

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