A memorial service for 56-year-old Julian Jerome “JJ” Brown, of Hopkinsville, will be held at Noon on Saturday at Gamble Funeral Home.
On January 20, 2024, the world lost a unique and spirited soul, Julian Jerome “JJ” Brown. Born on March 26, 1968, JJ’s journey began in Gelnhausen, Germany, a military brat with an adventurous spirit. He carried this spirit through his life, leaving a trail of laughter, creativity, and a bit of mischief wherever he went.
JJ was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Edward and Maria Brown. His legacy continues through his son, Romeo (Christina), and his cherished grandchildren, Gabe, Annsley, and Juliet. His presence will be deeply missed by his siblings, Edward, Frederick, Gabi (Leon), Sharon, and Juanita (Wali), and a parade of nieces and nephews (Shawn, Damon, Jillian, Angel, Nena, Jetta, Jami, Jennell, Emanuel, Barry, Heather, Jokari, DeMarcus, Jacob, Jaylen, Briana, Nichole, and Nathan) with a special remembrance for his niece Eva, who preceded him in passing.
JJ’s intelligence was undeniable. He once sought a forklift operator role at Perdue, only to end up as a supervisor – overseeing his brother Ed’s department, no less! His creativity shone through in the most unexpected ways, like crafting jewelry boxes from popsicle sticks for Gabi or fashioning a bowling ball for Juanita. He demonstrated his athleticism by trying to out-wrestle his brother Fred. His ingenuity was matched only by his immense heart, especially for his family. Loyal to a fault, JJ embodied his own quote, “I’m terribly impatient and don’t believe in the ‘gray’ area. You’re either right or wrong; good or bad.”
JJ’s generosity knew no bounds. If he had it and you needed it, it was yours. He was a die-hard fan of the Rams and the University of Kentucky, a lover of all animals with a special affinity for wolves, and a car aficionado – the faster and louder, the better. His title as an “online racing champion” brought him immense joy, showcasing his competitive spirit.
Though his dream of joining the Army was hindered by diabetes, JJ’s adventurous spirit never waned. A graduate of Christian County High School in Hopkinsville, KY, where he often played first chair sax and tuba, and a student of communication studies at the University of Louisville, he embraced life’s twists and turns. JJ worked in various roles, from Shipping at Perdue Farms to Quality Control at CR Bard, from the lab at Ebonite to a Circulation Manager at Trader Publishing, until his health declined. However, it was his role as a car salesman at Toyota of Bowie that JJ cherished most. Despite having no prior sales experience, his deep knowledge of cars made him a natural, captivating customers with the allure of flashy lights and detailed technical specifications. JJ left a lasting impression on both colleagues and customers alike. As he
transitioned into a mentor role, he shaped the minds of upcoming sales associates, leaving an indelible mark.
JJ’s life was a tapestry of bold colors, loud laughter, and unwavering love. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, let’s celebrate his life by living ours with a bit of his gusto. In lieu of flowers, JJ would have loved donations to his grandchildren’s future education or a simple act of kindness to a stranger. After all, as JJ would say, life is too short for the ‘gray’ area – let’s fill it with color.
