Hampton-James went to be with his heavenly Father on August 31, 2017. He was born in Amelia, Virginia to his parents, the late James W. Brown, Sr. and Katherine Booker Brown. A long-time resident of Newport News and Hampton, VA, James was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding from which he retired after thirty-four years of service as a materiel supply specialist. Prior to moving to Newport News, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. James was an avid bowler, winning numerous bowling championships, a staunch fan of the Green Bay Packers football team, loved the challenge of a good crossword puzzle, and was a member of the Dochiki Civic and Social Club for thirty-nine years.

James is survived by his partner and wife of thirty-five years, Stephanie Smith Brown; his daughter, Karen Brown of Yorktown, VA; sons, James "Lucky" Brown (Laverne) of Lynchburg, VA and Yawu Oyoko (Steven Lamont Smith) of New Jersey; brother, George Garland Brown (Carrie) of Hampton, VA; sisters, Ann Brown Dales (Jasper) of Hampton, VA and Janet Brown Strafer of Sterling, VA; granddaughters, Zoe Brown of Yorktown, VA, Lauren Brown of Lynchburg, VA, Sophia and Olivia Smith, both of New Jersey; grandsons, David, Jonathan and Kofi Smith, all of New Jersey; aunt, Lois Brown Nicholson of Hampton, VA; sister-in-law, Jeanette Smith Walker of Hampton, VA; nephew, Jermaine Walker of Hampton, VA; niece, Nikia Fisher of Hampton, VA; grandnieces, Jayda Walker and Milani Annette Briscoe, both of Hampton, VA; grandnephews, Jermaine Brown Walker of Elizabeth City State University, Jaden Walker of Chesapeake, VA, and Kailil Wells of Hampton, VA; cousin, Jeffrey Nicholson of Hampton, VA; Zymeer Butts of Hampton, VA - an exceptional little boy with whom James had a special bond; and a host of friends who will greatly miss him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at First Baptist Church Jefferson Park, 615-42nd Street, Newport News, VA 23607. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brown family.