Roll Call Tribute

James B. Brown 

December 14, 1933 - February 20, 2024 

James B. Brown, age 90, passed away on February 20, 2024. A true gentlemen, he was friendly to all and a friend to many. He woke up every morning with a positive attitude, happy to be alive and ready to conquer the world. He did not suffer from a lack self-confidence or lack of purpose. And his can-do attitude and gregarious personality were infectious.

Born on December 14, 1933, he was the eighth of 13 births to his parents Henry and Josephine Rebecca Brown. They ran a family farm in Freestone County, Texas where he grew up working alongside his siblings, plowing fields behind horses and mules and picking cotton, the latter of which he hated. One of his greatest motivations for pursuing a college education was so he would never have to pick cotton again! He was rambunctious and mischievous and his siblings were often the victims of his pranks.

Upon graduation from Fairfield High School in 1951 Jim enlisted in the US Air Force where his natural leadership skills were recognized and developed. While home on leave he met the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Wanda June Hullum. They married in September 1954 and after mustering out of the service he enrolled at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now Texas A&M University, in the fall of 1955. In three years he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering graduating as an honor student in 1958. He was proud to be a Texas Aggie and was always appreciative of the opportunities and brotherhood his degree afforded him.

Jim's first job after college was as Staff Engineer and Assistant to the Vice President of Brook Hollow Industrial Park and Empire Central Office Park in Dallas, Texas. After five years, he was presented with an opportunity to start a new office and industrial park in Orlando, FL. In March of 1963 he moved his family to Orlando and began a career with Orlando Central Park, Inc., a subsidiary of Martin Marietta, now Lockheed Martin. During his tenure what was once a cow pasture became a mixed-use development of over 3,500 acres. It was the first planned development of its kind in the Orlando area and set standards for future commercial development. His team also developed Plaza International, the stretch of International Drive that includes the Orange County Convention Center.

Upon retirement from Orlando Central Park he had a second career working for his friend and fellow outdoorsman Richard McCree of McCree General Contractors and Architects, serving as Director of Business Development.

He was an active member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, served on the SunTrust Bank Board - Central Park Branch, and was a founding member and past president of the Central Florida Chapter of NAIOP, the organization representing the commercial real estate industry at the local and national levels.

Jim had two great passions: his family and turkey hunting. Together, he and Wanda raised three children, Barry, Susan and Lydia. His pride and joy were his five grandchildren Rachael, Natalie, James, Will and Clarke and he had a special relationship with each of them. He was always up for a trip, adventure or event involving his grandchildren. He had close friendships with his and Wanda's siblings and their spouses, and he enjoyed relationships with his many nieces and nephews. He and Wanda often hosted out-of-town relatives for Orlando vacations as well as many gatherings for family and friends at their retreats in the Florida woods and Northern New Mexico mountains.

While at times he had a stern bearing, sometimes being compared to a Marine Drill Instructor, Jim was kind, loving and generous, often helping others without recognition and serving as a mentor to many. His legacy is that of an honorable man who lived his life guided by his faith and principals of integrity, commitment and loyalty. He loved deeply and openly with many hugs and kisses. May his memory be a blessing.

He is survived by his son Barry Brown; daughters Susan Bantis (Charlie) and Lydia Kiser (Jeff); sisters Doris Lilly and Gloria Cowart; and grandchildren Rachael Hornock (Colin), Natalie Weimer (Ricky), James Bantis, Will Kiser and Clarke Kiser.

The family extends a special appreciation to his friends and caregivers for their love and support.

A private family service is being held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Delaney Street Baptist Church or the Alzheimer's Association in memory of James B. Brown.