of Marked Tree, AR
December 7, 1925 - January 31, 2026
Shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday, James Wayne Brownlee departed this life on January 31, 2026. James was born on December 7, 1925, in Bassett, Arkansas, to LeeRoy and Lottie Brownlee.
James grew up in Joiner, AR, and attended Shawnee High School and graduated in 1944. James was the last living member of his High School class. After graduating, he was called to serve our country in WWII. James was a member of the 4th Infantry Division of the US Army and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star. At the end of his service, he was ranked as a staff sergeant. Upon returning from the Battle of the Bulge, he married his high school sweetheart, Louise Lindley, on July 22, 1945. Together, they had three children, Jerry, Peggy, and Robert. He was a loving grandfather to Tammy, Eddie, Brandon, Jim, and Kirk. He had thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. James and Louise celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary just before her passing in 2020.
After WWII, James and Louise came to live on his father's farm in what is now known as ''The Honeymoon Cottage.'' James was a substitute mail carrier for his father and helped farm his father's land. Upon his father's retirement, James took over his father's mail route and continued to farm the land for approximately 50 years. James retired from the US Postal Service in 1987. James mail route was over one hundred miles a day, and upon retirement, he was presented with the Million Mile Award, which is a prestigious honor presented by the U.S. Postal Service to drivers who achieve one million miles or thirty accumulated years of driving without a preventable incident. After retirement, he served on the Mississippi County School Board and spoke at schools about WWII. He also served as an election poll volunteer for many years. If James told you he would do something, he would do it. If he told you he would be there, he was there.
James was a member of the Joiner United Methodist Church his entire life. His grandmother was a founding member of the church. James served his church by singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and serving as the church treasurer for almost 65 years. He served on various committees for the church throughout his life. He spent many days and hours trimming shrubs and mowing grass to keep the church looking beautiful. James supported all areas of the children's ministries and always had his car ready to haul children to the skating rink, district meetings, or whatever was needed. James not only mowed the church yard, but he would also go to Louise Chapel Cemetery to help mow and keep the cemetery beautiful. James helped erect the Veterans Memorial located at the Louise Chapel Cemetery, which consists of a bell, flag, and bricks with the Mississippi County veterans' names and their branch of service.
James enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He was a member of a bowling league at West Memphis, and John Albert Hill was his bowling partner. His bowling ball's name was ''Malcolm.'' He and ''Malcolm'' won many high score awards. James also enjoyed playing cards and board games with friends and family. James enjoyed the outdoors. He loved making his yard beautiful with flowers. He grew beautiful gardens full of vegetables, especially turnip greens and kale. James enjoyed country music and would listen to it daily on his mail route. Dolly Parton was one of his favorites.
James loved his church, family, county, and community. He never complained about anything. There were only a few things he disliked �" taking medicine, eating rice, and the fear of snakes. James will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Louise Brownlee, and all five of his siblings.
James is survived by his children, Jerry W Brownlee (Margaret), Collierville, TN; Peggy Brownlee Irby, Seymour, TN; and Robert M Brownlee (Saundra), Knoxville, TN; five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends
Pallbearers will be Brandon Brownlee, Kirk Brownlee, Zach Brownlee, Kane Brownlee, Will Henderson, and Jim Irby. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Beloate, Ernest Brewer, and Jo Ed Ashburn.
The family would like to thank everyone for their care and concern and for taking the time to check on their father over the past few years. He enjoyed the visits from all those he loved. A special thanks to the staff at Three Rivers Healthcare and Rehabilitation for their care over the last 15 months while James was there.
Memorials may be made to Louise Chapel Cemetery c/o Benton Felts, 6007 South County Road 245, Joiner, AR 72350, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.