James D. Brown

James D. Brown, age 36, of Clarksville, TN, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday January 8, 2022 in Clarksville.  He was born February 11, 1985 in Washington DC, the son of James and Nelisa Brown Howard.  James served his country in the US Army from July 2003 until March 2009 after serving two deployments in Iraq. James separated from the US Army with an Honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from George Mason University in Government & International Politics. Additionally, he was recognized as a Rhodes Scholar, entitling him to study abroad at the University of Oxford in England.  Throughout James' life he has served others through his work in the disability office for the State of Tennessee and also as a Workers Compensation Ombudsman. He was currently serving as a Veterans Service Representative with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he worked to serve other veterans and their families. James was a dedicated member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, where he established a true brotherhood with his fraternity brothers.  He was a competitive bowler always looking for new opportunities and ways to enhance his skill. While living in England, he learned to love the game of Rugby. He was also proud to have been a commander in ROTC while still in high school. James was a dedicated father who played an instrumental role in the lives of his children.Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 10 years, Rita Tusi Brown of Clarksville; his parents James and Nelisa Brown Howard of Bowie, MD; his son T.J. Matavao, serving in the Air Force in Charleston, SC; his daughters Nina Matavao of Clarksville; Ruta Matavao of Clarksville; and Angel Martin of Clarksville.  Also surviving are sisters Phylichia Curtis (Jason) of Bowie, MD; and Ama Powell of Washington DC.  James is also blessed with two grandchildren Deymian Matavao and Noah Matavao as well as two nieces (Ariyanna and Kayla) and his beloved dog, Blue.  

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday January 18, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Gateway Funeral Home. Streaming services will also be available via the Gateway Funeral Home Facebook page.  Burial with military honors will be in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, KY.  Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of services on Tuesday January 18, 2022.  Arrangements are under the care of Gateway Funeral Home and Cremation Center  335 Franklin Street  Clarksville, TN  37040.  Phone 931-919-2600.  Online condolences may be made by going to www.gatewayfh.com.