Jimmie "Jim" Dale Brown

Jimmie "Jim" Dale Brown of Jonesboro, Arkansas passed from this life on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House at the age of 85. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ina Mae (Linn) Brown; his children Lance Brown and wife Marty, Tracy (Brown) Foster and husband Gil and grandchildren Dylan Brown and wife Morgan, Bailey (Brown) Hensley and husband Blake, Sydney Foster and Taryn Foster. He is also survived by his siblings Virginia "Gini" Gatz and husband Ron, Alvie Ray Brown and wife Martha, Ronnie Brown and wife Susan and Carolyn Haney.

Jim was born September 18, 1938, in Arbyrd, Missouri to the late Virginia Aileen Taylor and Alvin Loranso Brown. His parents moved around a lot as he grew up, but they settled in Pocahontas Arkansas, where Jim graduated from Pocahontas High school in 1956.  After high school, Jim attended Arkansas State College for a year and then transferred to Harding College. It was around this time that he joined the US Army Reserves and served from 1957-1963. At Harding he met his wife of 62 years, Ina Mae Linn, and they were later married on February 10, 1962. While at Harding he made the most significant and important decision of his life when he became a Christian and was baptized into Christ.

He graduated from Harding College in 1960 with a degree in Physical Education and United States History. He later moved to Kansas and gained his master’s degree in 1967 from Emporia University. Jim was a dedicated coach, administrator and teacher throughout his 38 years in education. He loved his students. Upon retirement, writing became his passion with several books published and was commissioned by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette to provide several sports articles.

Jim was an avid sports fan his entire life and was the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team's biggest fan.  Jim excelled at baseball himself and played for Harding College and later played semi-pro baseball for the Kansas Hays Larks. He coached many sports in his 38-year career including baseball, basketball, football and tennis. One of his greatest loves was watching his kids and grandkids play sports.

He was known by Jim, dad and Papaw. The family would like to show appreciation to his wife, Ina, who for years tirelessly and kindly showed us an example of what a woman of God was in taking care of and loving our dad/grandfather, even when life became very difficult. His family and friends will miss him.  As a brother in Christ, we will look forward to seeing him again soon, whole and new and running those bases in heaven.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Emerson Funeral Home with Tim Wooldridge and Spencer Furby officiating. Visitation will be held at the Emerson Memorial Chapel, Saturday, April 6 2024 at 9:30 with funeral services to follow at 10:30 a.m. A private family graveside will be conducted at the Cleburne County Memorial Gardens in Heber Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to: Crowley’s Ridge College Baseball Program, 100 College Drive, Paragould, AR 72450 or Valley View Church of Christ, Lads to Leaders Program, 4500 Southwest Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72404.