James Brown Metcalf, affectionately known around White County as Jim Brown, 73, of Sparta, passed away April 5, 2022, at his residence.
Jim Brown was born Sept. 10, 1948, in Sparta, to James Franklin “Tut” Metcalf and Ruby Lee Brown Metcalf.
He is survived by his daughter Marlana Metcalf and her two children, Tyler and Kathleen; sister, Carolyn Ann Metcalf Driver; brother, John Metcalf; and many nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his adoptive family of Steve and Christy Howell, their children, and their grandchildren and his special friends, Jim and Judy Payne.
Jim Brown was a member and regularly attended Gum Springs Baptist Church where he accepted the Lord in his heart and was baptized. He always enjoyed having fun and entertaining the children at the church.
Jim Brown owned and operated Jim Brown’s Market for many years, on Hickory Valley Road. In his later years, he worked for The Howell Companies. He was a walking horse enthusiast and a yearly fixture at the celebration, in Shelbyville. He loved to watch all his adoptive kids play sports. He could be seen on many a ballfield or in a gym cheering them on and would always have bubble gum or some other treats for all the kids. When not doing that, he made his rounds to visit shut-ins or people in the nursing home, taking them something regularly he knew they liked. Jim Brown was a Sparta icon and loved by all!
Funeral service was 3 p.m., April 9, 2022, at Gum Springs Baptist Church, with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Bo Hendrix officiated.
Pallbearers were Reed Howell, Dustin Howell, Steven Luna, Randy Young, Ted Maynard, Wesley Richards, Tommy Narramore, and Jeff Jones.
Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Rich and Stanley Stewart.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
