James "Charlie" Brown
Jun 4, 1946 - Jan 17th, 2021- Birth Date: Jun 4, 1946
- Death Date: Jan 17, 2021
- Funeral Date: Unknown
- Location:
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Biography:
James “Charlie” Brown, 74, passed away January 17, 2021 in Little Rock, AR. He was born in Des Arc, AR and graduated high school there as valedictorian before going on to graduate from Hendrix College in 1969 (B.A., History), and did post-graduate study at Duke University.
The majority of his career was spent teaching AP history at Little Rock Central High School, where he loved teaching and his students, and he eventually traveled to Washington, DC to be presented with an award for excellence in teaching by the US President.
After retiring, he traveled the world, often with his children, and held a special place in his heart for Scotland, Ireland, and Maine.
A loving family member and friend, he is dearly missed. He is survived by children Jane Brown, Elizabeth Wahl (Matthew), Jonathan Brown, Andrew Brown; grandsons Zachary and Benjamin Wahl; sister Patti Pasley (JR); aunts Ann Evans and Janie Rogers; and nieces Tammy Britt (David), Josie Pasley, and Tiffany Mack (Charles Ray). He was preceded in death by parents Melvin and Flossie Brown, sister Joy Branham, and nephew James Pasley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Heifer International or Arkansas Food Bank. Because of COVID, there’ll be a private family service on January 30. To watch the service please search using this link www.facebook.com/RFHome
The majority of his career was spent teaching AP history at Little Rock Central High School, where he loved teaching and his students, and he eventually traveled to Washington, DC to be presented with an award for excellence in teaching by the US President.
After retiring, he traveled the world, often with his children, and held a special place in his heart for Scotland, Ireland, and Maine.
A loving family member and friend, he is dearly missed. He is survived by children Jane Brown, Elizabeth Wahl (Matthew), Jonathan Brown, Andrew Brown; grandsons Zachary and Benjamin Wahl; sister Patti Pasley (JR); aunts Ann Evans and Janie Rogers; and nieces Tammy Britt (David), Josie Pasley, and Tiffany Mack (Charles Ray). He was preceded in death by parents Melvin and Flossie Brown, sister Joy Branham, and nephew James Pasley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Heifer International or Arkansas Food Bank. Because of COVID, there’ll be a private family service on January 30. To watch the service please search using this link www.facebook.com/RFHome
Condolences(21)
Christa Twyford Gibson
#20
Jan 31st, 2021 3:20 pm
I am so saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Brown. He was not only an uber-talented instructor, but a good human being who showed kindness and concern for us students, whether we deserved it or not. I have thought of him often in my post-Central days- when seeing a stone with Savonarola's name on it in Italy, when reading a particularly interesting history book, or when contemplating how much better a writer and smarter a person I was back then- all thanks to his inspiration. I send prayers and wishes for peace to his loved ones.
Libby Whitbeck
#19
Jan 29th, 2021 9:44 am
Mr. Brown was my favorite teacher in high school. He was so incredibly smart but not at all pompous. His classes were among the most difficult in the school, but he challenged his students to rise to the challenge and always kept a calm, kind demeanor. Thinking of him and his family today.
Dan Swartz
#18
Jan 29th, 2021 12:38 am
Charlie was a true friend. I am honored to have known him. RIP dear heart.
Jenny (Holt) Thamer
#17
Jan 28th, 2021 11:03 am
He was in my life for only a year and changed its direction. He challenged my assumptions about history and encouraged me to be more thoughtful in my writing. I learned to love history in his class and went on to study it in college. By expecting more from me, he taught me to expect more from myself. I think about his class often. More than 20 years later, I regret not reaching out to him to share the difference he made in my life. In his memory, I’ve spent this week writing notes to my children’s teachers. My deepest condolences to his family. Thank you, Mr. Brown. You left a legacy.
Erin Gauger
#16
Jan 28th, 2021 12:27 am
Mr. Brown was one of the best teachers I ever had. He taught me US history, and I was upset when he retired because my younger brothers didn't get the chance to take his classes. His interest in the subject was obvious, so much so that I nerded out and brought in a book I had found on Civil War photography to show him. Who else could inspire a high school student to lug in a giant old book on the Civil War in their backpack?
Thank you, Mr. Brown. You made the world a brighter place with your teaching.
Thank you, Mr. Brown. You made the world a brighter place with your teaching.
Laura Hardy
#15
Jan 27th, 2021 3:54 pm
I was so shocked and sad to read of Charlie's passing. What a great guy! We'd stayed in loose touch after teaching together at Central and seeing him was always a delight. May his memory be a blessing.
Lisa Rasco (Central High class of 1989)
#14
Jan 27th, 2021 11:50 am
I am so sad to hear the news of the passing of Mr. Brown. I was just telling my husband about my favorite high school teacher, Mr. Charlie Brown, and my husband (a history major in college) laughed and said "but you hate history!". He was right and I responded, "Yes, but I loved Mr. Brown!". His classes (US history, World history) were known to be some of the most difficult at Central. He expected a lot from his students and taught us how to think and write critically and to consider the relevance of the past on the present. I still remember so much from his classes. In addition, he was simply a good person, always telling funny stories and sharing his love of movies (I still remember watching films like "The Name of the Rose" on his recommendation) and travel. I had him in the late 1980s when his own kids were still quite young and he came to class one day with what looked like a bright red hickey on his forehead. No one said anything about it but we were all wondering, and finally near the end of class he smiled and shared that one of his young kids had taken one of those suction play darts and stuck it on his forehead (hard!) and yanked it off. He wore the red mark with good humor and made us all laugh. He was so human and kind-hearted and also so brilliant and pushed us all to excel, what a rare combination in this world! He left quite an imprint on me and clearly so many others. My deepest condolences to his dear family, he loved you all immensely- thank you for sharing him with all of us "groupies".
Anne (Hiller) Jacobsen
#13
Jan 27th, 2021 10:43 am
I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of one of Central's best teachers! I had Mr. Brown for World History and AP Euro. His class was so interesting and challenging. He has touched many lives. May he Rest Well.
Ginger Young
#12
Jan 27th, 2021 9:08 am
Mr. Brown taught me so much more than European History. He taught me how to study, to read and interpret texts, and how to write a thoughtful, fact based response. He helped me understand the current world by understanding the past. He gave his best and expected the best from us. He was funny and engaging and so knowledgeable. His class was one of the hardest I took at Little Rock Central and one of my favorites. He has left a beautiful legacy. Thanks be to God for the life of Charlie Brown.
Bernard Turgeon
#11
Jan 26th, 2021 1:29 pm
I was so saddened to hear of Charlie's passing. We shared a great love of travelling and especially of the wonders of the beautiful state of Maine. I will miss comparing notes of our favorite places to travel over a glass of wine. You are greatly missed, Charlie...and will be forever. My deepest condolences to his children and grandchildren...he loved you all very much and spoke of you highly.
Renee Graw Lucy
#10
Jan 23rd, 2021 10:29 am
Charlie was one of those teachers that you want to emulate. My first year as a teacher at Central High I was torn between periods of elation and sheer terror Charlie showed me how to focus both of those emotions into a teaching career of almost 30 years. He had such a gentle soul. I will miss you, my friend,
Fritz Brantley
#9
Jan 22nd, 2021 2:14 pm
Mr. Brown was a legend for a reason, and I share the fond memories of his courses—the way they taught me diligence, but also the sense that history's tapestry was full of surprises, and that its threads were always waiting to be tugged in the fabric of the present day.
But something a bit more personal that I'll never forget: he wrote one of my letters of recommendation to college—a letter that was apparently so convincing that my college wrote him back, commending him for his good work. I didn't know that colleges did that, so it must have been some letter.
For as hard as I (and so many others) worked for him, he worked just as hard for us—for me, in that moment, and for his students, in teaching that was a demanding but brilliant preparation for whatever education they took on next. I feel incredible gratitude for what he gave me and offer my condolences to those mourning him. I hope he's enjoying a good rest in the next life.
But something a bit more personal that I'll never forget: he wrote one of my letters of recommendation to college—a letter that was apparently so convincing that my college wrote him back, commending him for his good work. I didn't know that colleges did that, so it must have been some letter.
For as hard as I (and so many others) worked for him, he worked just as hard for us—for me, in that moment, and for his students, in teaching that was a demanding but brilliant preparation for whatever education they took on next. I feel incredible gratitude for what he gave me and offer my condolences to those mourning him. I hope he's enjoying a good rest in the next life.
Stu Dearnley
#8
Jan 21st, 2021 4:46 pm
He walked in the classroom cool and slow. Who called the English teacher Daddio?
My Brown's AP European History was the hardest class I ever took. But it was fun. We learned lots, and he went out of his way to share the fun side of history that would never make it onto the AP test--like the ways in which Savonarola was tortured into confessing that he was not the vicar of Christ. After European History, college was a breeze. Central High offered every AP class that the AP program offered, but only one had the reputation of Mr. Brown's. I feel it safe to say that everyone who took that class was better for the experience including those who failed out, and I knew a few of those.
Thank you, Mr. Brown! You are in my heart forever.
My Brown's AP European History was the hardest class I ever took. But it was fun. We learned lots, and he went out of his way to share the fun side of history that would never make it onto the AP test--like the ways in which Savonarola was tortured into confessing that he was not the vicar of Christ. After European History, college was a breeze. Central High offered every AP class that the AP program offered, but only one had the reputation of Mr. Brown's. I feel it safe to say that everyone who took that class was better for the experience including those who failed out, and I knew a few of those.
Thank you, Mr. Brown! You are in my heart forever.
Elizabeth Stainton Walker
#7
Jan 21st, 2021 3:20 pm
Mr. Brown expected so much more of his students than we were accustomed to because he knew we were capable. An “A” in his class really meant something. We are better for having known him.
Rose Dockery
#6
Jan 20th, 2021 10:22 pm
Mr. Brown introduced me to the stock market which I still love. I would go to his class early in the morning before the bell, (he always had all of the good newspapers) so that I could see how my stocks performed the day before. I think about him so often when I open my E*TRADE app.
I was in his class when 9/11 happened. He explained things to us in the most unbiased and careful way.
He was an awesome man. ❤️
I was in his class when 9/11 happened. He explained things to us in the most unbiased and careful way.
He was an awesome man. ❤️
Tom Wahl
#5
Jan 20th, 2021 7:57 pm
Charlie always had a smile, warm personality & engaging attitude. Many years ago, my family was touched by cancer; an operation removed the growth but it returned within 5 years. Charlie had seemingly beaten his, but only in the short term. I’m certain, if asked, he would list the trips he took with his boys, among his best memories
Laura Kehler Shue
#4
Jan 20th, 2021 4:57 pm
My condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Brown was one of my Social Studies teachers at Governor's School. Very grateful to have experienced his ability to inspire and influence his students in a positive way.
My Nguyen
#3
Jan 20th, 2021 4:07 pm
Mr. Brown set the bar for excellence. (Though I often fell short of that bar when I had him for AP US History at Little Rock Central High School and then willingly signed up for his infamously punishing course on AP European History the next year.)
He was not a drone of an educator and truly knew his stuff. He demanded a lot from his students, and was very no-nonsense, but he was never unkind or unfair. I have never worked harder for a B, and was taught the lesson of perseverance having gone through his baptism by reading (lots and lots and lots of careful, active reading) style of teaching.
RIP to one of the greats. Thank you for pushing your students and teaching them the value of humility and hard work. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
He was not a drone of an educator and truly knew his stuff. He demanded a lot from his students, and was very no-nonsense, but he was never unkind or unfair. I have never worked harder for a B, and was taught the lesson of perseverance having gone through his baptism by reading (lots and lots and lots of careful, active reading) style of teaching.
RIP to one of the greats. Thank you for pushing your students and teaching them the value of humility and hard work. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Carolyn Vance Pettit
#2
Jan 20th, 2021 7:46 am
Charlie was a wonderful and fun friend in high school. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn Vance Pettit.
Carolyn Vance Pettit.
Julie Chavis
#1
Jan 19th, 2021 7:44 pm
Mr. Brown was my 9th grade Civics teacher at Booker Jr. High. He sparked an interest in current events and politics that I have to this day. He was the best teacher I ever had, from kindergarten through law school. I will never forget the impact he had on my life and education. May he Rest In Peace.
He not only mentored for me what it means to be a fine teacher, he was caring and kind. I remember him saying he wanted to go to law school and tried for a couple of years at night at UALR but it was too much with a family and teaching.
I taught Civics in Gentry, Arkansas for 2 years then went to law school. This year I’ll have been practicing 40 years. I’m now in Kansas City.
He was one of a few folks who helped me when I was young and trying to find my way as a teacher. Reading all these comments from his students warns my heart.