James J. Brown Sr.

James Brown, Sr. was born March 21, 1945 in Charleston, SC to Mary Mazyck (Brown).  He departed us on July 26, 2022. James  is a long time resident of Joliet and attended South Carolina Public Schools where he joined the Job Corps which eventually brought him to Joliet in 1966.  

In 1967 James was united in marriage to the late Billie Jean Watts, a native of Laurel, MS. This union later produced seven children.  James worked for a number of years at Caterpillar and later US Steel, prior to becoming disabled. After which he did work as an auto mechanic. 

Affectionately known as Bullah, James was a very personable and charismatic person. He never hesitated to tell you what was on his mind. Known as JB in his later years, he was often seen rocking his signature Kangol and 8-ball cane. 

James was preceded in death by his wife Billie Jean, step-father Hayward Mazyck, brothers Kenneth and Sydney Mazyck, and two sons William Chisolm & Eric Brown. 

James is survived by a host of relatives including children Jeffrey of Joliet; James "Mook"Jr. (Janeime) of Atlanta, GA; Kenneth of Joliet; Anthony "Rodney" of Joliet, Andre (Kayla) of Atlanta, GA and Derrick (Torrieon) of Joliet; 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 2 brothers Herbert (Frances) Mazyck and Lawrence Mazyck, 4 sisters Gwendolyn Mark, Deborah Mazyck, Dana (Roger) Owens, and Roberta Mazyck all of Charleston, SC. 

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