of Shirley, AR
September 30, 1945 - February 19, 2026
James ''Buddy'' Brown, age 80, of Shirley, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, going to his heavenly home. Buddy was born on September 30, 1945, to the late Jimmie and Jean (Harper) Brown-Bradford. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Christian and a true believer, he lived his life grounded in the teachings of Christ. He proudly served his country, first meeting his beloved wife, Helena Duffy, while serving in the United States Air Force. Buddy also dedicated 28 years of service to the Army National Guard, retiring with honor. Over the years he worked in a variety of professions, including positions with ARTELCO, Danny's Service Company, CSM at Camp Robinson, and was also self-employed.
Buddy had a zest for life and many passions that brought him joy. He loved all sports, cherished time spent hunting and fishing, and never missed an opportunity to share a good story with family or friends. Most of all, Buddy treasured his family, his pride and greatest happiness.
He is survived by his loving wife, Helena Brown; children Anna Jones of Batesville, Arkansas, Lisa (Andy) Freeman of Center Ridge, Arkansas, and Keith (Andrea) Brown of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; grandchildren Derek (Katrena) Jones, Haley (Ben) Matias, Cortney (Kyle) Payne, Easton (Carly) Freeman, Bryant Brown, and Bryce Brown; great-grandchildren Judah and Jonah Jones, Hudson Payne, Brooks Payne, Jones Payne, and Zariyah Matias; brothers, Danny (Kay) Brown, Sam (Brenda) Brown and Bill (Jan) Brown and a host of extended family and friends who will dearly miss his warm spirit.
Buddy's legacy of love, service, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Shirley, Arkansas.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, with interment and military honors to follow at Bradford Cemetery in Shirley, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Buddy's honor may be made to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Bradford Cemetery, or a charity of your choosing.
To express condolences online please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
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27 Condolence(s)
Berniece jones
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Anna and Lisa I love you still and so sorry.
Teresa Gates
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Helena, so sad to hear about Buddy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your glorious family. Teresa
Robert Snell
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
So very sorry to hear about Bud, I had the pleasure of working with him for a few years and enjoyed his company. He was 1 of a kind.
Vickie Murray Whisenant
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
My deepest condolences to the family. Buddy was a good one! I don’t remember not knowing Buddy and Helena and consider it a privilege.
Vickie Whisenant
Joe Naramore
Monday, February 23, 2026
Loved working with him. Fun guy!
Clint Harper
Monday, February 23, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Daddy (John P.) spent many times with him visiting.
Debbie and Paul VanHorn
Monday, February 23, 2026
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Pls know we will continue through the toughest of days ... praying the Peace that passes all understanding to each of you we love ❤️
Sherry McCaslin
Monday, February 23, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss
Chalee
Monday, February 23, 2026
My deepest condolences to all the family. Prayers for all of you. Love, Chalee and girls
Debby Kerrigan
Monday, February 23, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss you have my heartfelt sympathy and condolences
Lynda Sisco
Monday, February 23, 2026
Praying for the family 🙏🏻
Rickey Bonds
Sunday, February 22, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Praying that your wonderful memories of your loved one sustains you during this sad time. God bless you all.
Pam Gray
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Coach Brown, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayer is that God will give you and your family peace and comfort now, and in the days ahead.
Tiffany Holmes Roesch (Verser)
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Oh Anna, I’m so very sorry for you and your family. Prayers for peace at this difficult time.
Brenda Ramsey Mize
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Helena and family I’m so very sorry for your loss praying for you during this difficult time.
Mary Kaye Weaver
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Helena, sending my condolences to you and your family. Prayers for comfort now and the days ahead.
Debra williams
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Diane Welch
Saturday, February 21, 2026
So sad to hear of Buddy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Helena and the rest of the family,🙏🙏🙏
Stephanie & David Ward
Saturday, February 21, 2026
We are so sorry for the loss of Buddy. Our sincere prayers are with all of you, his loved ones.
Debra williams
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Bobby and Donna Ozment
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Helena and family, we are so sorry to hear about Buddy. Our hearts hurt for you. You are in our prayers. May God bring you comfort and peace during this time.
David Brown
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Love you Uncle Bud.
Regina Adams
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Mr.Brown so sorry for your loss praying for you and your family
Jody Bane
Saturday, February 21, 2026
I cannot express how much this family means to me . From being the kids babysitter to their neighbor & everything in between .
I love you all . Old friends are like diamonds, stars in the sky, & a fresh drink of water . Please accept our condolences. Love, Jody & Larry
Benny and Doris Brown
Saturday, February 21, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to family. Benny and Doris.
Cathie Bodenhamer
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Helen and family I am so sorry for your loss. I had often heard you speak highly of your Buddy and I knew that you loved him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you, sweet friend and your family.
Tommy and Judy Collins
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Brown families and all who loved Buddy. We are so sorry for your loss.