Lt. Col. James P. Brown, Usaf

Lt. Col. James Paul Brown of the U.S. Air Force, age 51, passed away on January 11, 2021. At the time of his passing, he was the Commander of the 53rd Air Traffic Control Squadron at Robins Air Force Base where he led 128 Airmen responsible for the operation and maintenance of $54 million in Deployable Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems.

Born in Long Beach, California, to Gary and Phyllis Brown, James was known for his charismatic personality, sense of humor, and was loved by everyone he met. His sense of adventure led him to enjoying being outdoors in nature where he loved to hunt, fish, surf, and do any activity in the ocean.

James joined the Air Force in 1988 and began his career as an enlisted Air Traffic Controller at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. As part of the enlisted force, he rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant before being chosen to commission as an officer in 2002. After becoming an officer, he held a number of positions as he rose in the ranks of the Airfield Operations Community culminating in his selection to command the 53rd ATCS on June 21, 2019. James’ Air Force career took him and his family to bases around the globe, including Japan, Italy, Hawaii, Germany and Iraq. Additionally, he supported Operations Joint Endeavor, Joint Guard, Joint Forge, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. He also continued his education earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, Magna Cum Laude, from Embry-Riddle University and his Master of Science in Aeronautics, with Distinction, also from Embry-Riddle. Finally, during his 33-years in the Air Force, James received many major awards and decorations, notably the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Award, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with five oak leaf clusters, just to name a few.

Although he loved the Air Force, his country, and his Airmen, nothing compared to the love he had for his family.

James leaves behind his wife of 30-plus years, Michele Brown; children, Stephan Brown (Taylor), Rebekah Brown, Rachel Brown, and Hannah Brown; parents, Gary and Phyllis Brown; brother, Joel Brown (Lori); and niece and nephew, Sierra and Luke.

At the family’s request, services will be private.

Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.