JAMES FRANK “JIM” BROWN,
age 94, born January 3, 1929, in Hot Springs, Ark., and passed away peacefully in North Little Rock, Ark., on October 28, 2023. He was dedicated to his family and committed his life’s work to making a difference for youth in our community.
After graduating from Hot Springs High School, Jim initially attended the University of Arkansas before being called to serve in the U.S. Navy (1951-55) during the Korean Conflict. He proudly served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saipan, trained with the Naval Olympic Track Team at Annapolis, Md., and was an alternate for the 1952 U.S. Olympic Team. Post-honorable discharge, Jim returned to the University of Arkansas, was a four-year letterman in track, setting multiple school records in the one-mile and two-mile runs, relays, and cross-country. He was a member of the first University of Arkansas Southwest Conference Cross-Country Championship Team and served as Assistant Track Coach from 1956-58. Jim was inducted into the 2002 Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame and was an active board member.
His career was committed to expanding opportunities and fitness for youth starting with the development of a Physical Education Program and Track Coach at Biloxi, Miss., School District. Jim’s 38-year career with Boys Clubs of America began in 1963, where he established the first West Memphis Boys Club. He served as Director of Parks and Recreation and the Fayetteville Boys Club. Before retiring as Executive Director, he dedicated 33 years to the Little Rock Boys and Girls Clubs, and was named 1981 Southwest Region Executive Director of the Year.
Jim loved spending time with family, fishing, canoeing, camping, cycling, and cheering on the Razorback Track, Football and Basketball Teams. He was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church for 52 years and will be remembered for his kind spirit, welcoming smile, and ability to appear 15 years younger than his true age!
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Susie and James Frank Brown, Sr.; brother, Temple Nix Brown; grandson, Francis “Franky” Isidro Brown.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ellen Brown; daughters, Debbie Fahlsing, Charlotte Downs; sons, James Hiller Brown (Rosa), Kyle Young Brown; three grandchildren, Natalie Socwell (Erik), Heather Cargill (Brandon), and Christina Brown.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 3-5 p.m. at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 Main Street). A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Monday, November 6, 2023, at Lakewood United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas, 1400 W. Markham St., Suite 402, Little Rock, Ark. 72201, or Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Road, North Little Rock, Ark. 72216. Visit www.smithfamilycares.com for the online obituary.