House Resolution 50

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MR. JACKSON MARTIN BROWN UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on February 24, 2018, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Jackson Martin "Jack" Brown, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born January 2, 1946, in Starkville, Mississippi, to Lavell "Red" Brown and Una Martin Brown, Mr. Brown graduated from Starkville High School in 1964 and earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Mississippi State University in 1969; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Mississippi State University, Mr. Brown furthered his education and earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1971 from the former Jackson School of Law, currently Mississippi College School of Law, and upon graduation he was the first Mississippian to practice under the Limited Practice Act, and he passed the Mississippi Bar Exam and remained an active member of The Mississippi Bar until his passing; and

WHEREAS, following in the footsteps of his father and brothers, Mr. Brown returned to his hometown of Starkville and was a prominent criminal defense attorney, defending numerous notable cases throughout his career, and his reputation preceded him in the courtroom, and he thrived on the challenge of preparing for and presenting a case for trial; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brown also enjoyed practicing in other areas of law and often performed pro bono work for many of his clients, and in addition to his personal law practice, he served as an attorney for the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors for more than 18 years until his passing; and

WHEREAS, with an extensive knowledge of the law, Mr. Brown cherished his 46 years of practicing law, and second to his law practice, Mr. Brown found solace, peace and a little bit of fun at his home, the Oasis, in rural Oktibbeha County, surrounded by pastures, woods and fishing ponds, and while at home he admired all of God's creatures and wildlife; and

WHEREAS, a friend to all horses and German Shepherds, Mr. Brown was a lifelong learner, a voracious reader and a grand storyteller, and could complete almost any crossword puzzle with ease in only a few minutes before sunrise with his morning cup of coffee, enjoyed exercising his mind and body, using methods such as meditation and yoga, and as a self-defense expert, he proudly earned his fifth-degree black belt in karate; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brown was a man that never met a stranger and who will be missed by all those who knew him, and though he has traversed the river of life to now stand upon the golden heavenly shores, the legacy of Mr. Brown's dedication to his family, friends and to the practice of law will forever be etched in the hearts and memories of his loving survivors: his three daughters, Katy Brown Stribling, Marty Brown Gebhart and Haley Brown Smith; his six grandchildren, Mary Kate, Joseph, Grace, Land, Lilly and Jemma; his sister, Adelia Ann Nason; dozens of nieces, nephews and countless friends who loved him dearly; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding Mississippians such as Mr. Jackson Martin "Jack" Brown, whose steadfast commitment to his family and unwavering dedication to the practice of law brings great honor to his family, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and service of Mr. Jackson Martin Brown, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Jackson Martin Brown and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.