James Donald Brown

James Brown, 72, died May 30, 2026 at the Aiken Rehabilitation Center located in Aiken South Carolina with his close friend and roommate by his side who is affectionately known as “Mr. Morris”. He was born February 10, 1954 in Ward SC to the late Eugene (2012) and Queen Ester Brown (2021). He is survived by three daughters: Tonya Williams of Greenwood SC, Leesha Johnson (Torris) of Aiken SC, Ashley White of Edgefield SC, Gary White of Edgefield SC and Jasper Brown (Sarah), his brother of Aiken SC., seven grandchildren, two great-grands and a host of nieces, nephews’ cousins and friends. He was also preceded in death by his lone sister-in-law he affectionate called “sissy.”

He graduated from the Ridge Spring Moneta High School in 1974, and attended the Denmark Technical College where he received a Technical degree in the Science of Drafting. James was a highly skilled and recognized B-flat, E-flat and alto saxophonist as well as a skilled clarinet player who could improvise and read music. He spread his musical skills of persuasion across several different local bands while performing in nightclubs around the area.

James was employed with several local industries that specialized in metal fabrication and specialty services throughout the Aiken, Lexington and Saluda county areas. He was dedicated to renovation of personal property and developmental projects that allowed him the freedom of time worked so he could provide care for his mother in her final years of life. He was never married, or never moved from his home residence in Ridge Spring, SC until an injury at home got him assigned to the rehabilitation where he passed away. In his spare time, he supported community development projects in the Johnston and Ridge communities through a self-employment effort he manned alone.

James can be best remembered as a loving individual who would give you the shirt off his very back, loving father and grandfather, and a truly dedicated brother who will be loved and missed.

Additional arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC.