Colonel John Presley Brown

Colonel John Presley Brown, affectionately known as Buddy in younger years, and ultimately landing on the simple, sweet moniker of Colonel in later years, passed away peacefully at home on April 6th, 2025, at the age of 94, in Smithfield, Virginia. His loving wife Jeanne and devoted daughter Kimberley were present as he slipped from this world to the next. Born to Mary Willis and James Alfred Brown on October 15th, 1930, in Norfolk, Virginia, John was one of five siblings including sisters Bette and Barbara, and brothers Billy and Jimmy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his beloved son, John P. Brown III. 

John was an engaging and driven young man whose early achievements reflected the leadership and integrity that would define his life. He earned his Eagle Scout rank and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow—both early signs of his commitment and character. At Granby High School in Norfolk, VA, John was the president of the class of 1949 and attended Boys State. After graduating, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Military Science from the University of Nebraska. In 1952, John was commissioned into the Army through Officer Candidate School, a momentous step that would cement his life’s work for the military. As an officer, he pursued his love of aviation, becoming a pilot soon after his commission. Always eager to grow, John earned his master’s degree from the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas in 1969. John proudly served in the Army for thirty-one years, with assignments that spanned the world, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. During his extensive tenure in the Army, John notably was a four-time combat veteran, playing a significant role in military intelligence, earning many medals and distinctions. At the conclusion of his lengthy and dedicated career, he retired as Colonel John Brown.

Amidst his professional growth, John also found time to create and nurture a life-long bond with his wife Miriam Jean Briggs (Jeanne*). Having met in high school, John and Jeanne were married in 1953. Their marriage spanned seventy-two years, multiple states and continents, and endless adventures together. Possibly the greatest of these adventures was raising their two children: Kimberley Anderson (Stephen P. Anderson) and John P. Brown III (Sarah Palamara). His love for his family extended across generations, and he took immense pride in his grandchildren: Aubrey Odom (William Odom), Jonathan Anderson (Heather Anderson), Abigail Anderson, Elijah Anderson, Micah Anderson, and Paul Anderson; and great grandchildren: Olivia, Benjamin, and Maisie Anderson, and Willa and Soren Odom.

John was a man of many talents and seemingly limitless energy. Aside from family and career, he never was at a loss for a hobby. John was quite adept at working with his hands as evidenced by his beautiful creations in wood working, whittling, duck decoys, basket weaving, and stained glass. When he wasn’t busy nurturing these skills, he and his bride enjoyed traveling the world over. 

John took great pride in his work within the community. Over the years he was very involved in Providence Presbyterian Church, in the Relay for Life, was a member of the Kiwanis Club, and was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge beginning with DeMolay in high school. Colonel John Brown, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, lived his life bound forward with a twinkle in his eye.

Among the most important of his accomplishments, he served his country with pride, and he loved his family with unwavering devotion. Though his title might have seemed intimidating, those who knew Colonel quickly saw the man behind it: warm, witty, and always ready with a clever nickname, a quick quip, or a story worth telling. He had a way of making people feel at ease, and his presence left a lasting impression. John will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit lives on in the family he cherished and the memories he created. His legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty continues in the lives of those he leaves behind.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 18th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Little’s Funeral Home in Smithfield, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in John’s memory.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com