JAMES DAVID BROWN JR.
lived an extraordinary life from November 19, 1971 until March 27, 2020. David passed away from pneumonia and other complications resulting from 48 years with cerebral palsy.
He was born to James David Sr. and Joyce Weatherly Brown. He graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School with honors and was an honorary member of the basketball team there.
He was extremely close to his family and lived with his parents until his death. Although David was physically disabled and confined to a wheelchair, he did not think of himself as limited. From his birth, his family was committed to making his life as full as possible. To that end, he went scuba diving, party barging, motorcycling, horseback riding, helicopter riding, swimming in the ocean, deep sea fishing, camping, golfing, snow skiing and more. He loved art and was an accomplished painter through the Artistic Realization Technology (A.R.T.) program at Easter Seals of Arkansas. He won several awards for his artwork at the Arkansas State Fair and other locations. He also enjoyed hunting for whatever was in season, but especially for deer with his nephew, Aaron Sharp. He was able to really enjoy hunting later in his life thanks to the Challenged Outdoorsmen of America who assisted with deer hunting and fishing outings.
David loved sports. Any kind of sports was great—bowling to hockey, it was all good to him. He was a super fan for all of his family’s activities from ice skating to football and baseball to golf. He loved watching Ouachita Baptist University games whether courtside for basketball or in the endzone for football when that was still allowed. He spent many late summer weeks over the years in Weatherford, Oklahoma at Southwestern Oklahoma University with his late brother-in-law, Paul Sharp as he readied the Bulldogs for the upcoming football season. David was a very loyal UALR Trojan fan and was a season ticket holder for basketball. He was a fan of coaches as well; his room is filled with notes, photos, and memorabilia from coaches such as Paul Sharp, Houston Nutt, Barry Switzer, Harold Steelman, Wayne Davenport, Steve Shields, Joe Foley and others.
David enjoyed board games and cards. He began playing cards with his grandmother at a very young age and appreciated watching all sorts of games. He played cards on a regular basis with his friends at Chenal Country Club, thanks to his nephew Aaron and his friend, Dr. Brian Dunlap. He even played checkers remotely with his cousins in northwest Arkansas. He watched poker tournaments on television and could actually follow everything going on.
David was a great friend to many people and especially loved his sometimes caregiver, Ms. Carol Massey. He really enjoyed telephoning people! He particularly loved his family. He did something special with every member, such as sneaking to the driving range before school with his brother-in-law Steve. He was a devoted son and brother, always willing and ready to encourage and love. His whole family adored him.
He was preceded in death by his father, James David Brown Sr. He is survived by his mother, Joyce Weatherly Brown. Other survivors are his sisters and brothers-in-law Robert and Sherrie Sharp Thomasson and Steve and Debbie Woosley of Little Rock. David is survived by a large group of nieces and nephews and their children. These include Aaron and Tiffaney Sharp (Hunter), Adam Sharp (Aiden, Addison, Ansley, Austin), Claire and Brett Golden (Georgia, Genevieve), Baxter and Meredith Woosley, Alex and Melanie Dawson (Banks, Harper) and Kara Thomasson, all of Little Rock. He also has countless extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles) who will miss him.
David was a Christian and was baptized by his late uncle, Dr. Bill Brown at Morrilton First Baptist Church, but David was a lifelong member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Reverend Phil Spigner of Immanuel will officiate a private graveside service for immediate family. A livestream is planned for extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Ouachita Baptist University Paul Sharp Scholarship Fund Department, the UALR Trojan Athletic Department, or the Immanuel Baptist Church Food Pantry. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home: Please sign guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ chenal.