Longtime, highly respected and liked Crossville businessman and civic leader J. W. Brown has passed away at 91-years-old. J W was a powerful force in the community for many decades serving as CEO, president and chairman of the Highland Federal Savings and Loan Association, First National Bank of Crossville and Union Planters Bank of Crossville.

For more than 40 years Mr. Brown served as Chairman of the Board of Cumberland Medical Center.  The longest service as Chairman in CMC’s history. He was chairman of the South Cumberland Utility District and area fundraising chairman of the Boy Scouts of America.  Mr. Brown served on the steering committee of the Roane State Community College Cumberland County Campaign and was integral in raising funds to build a permanent satellite campus for Roane State in Crossville. He has also served as president of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the advisory board of Tennessee Technology Center, the Crossville Jaycees and a charter member and past president of the Crossville Noon Rotary Club and the Crossville Breakfast Rotary Club.  J. W. Brown was also active with the Cumberland County Playhouse, serving as a board member and chairman, and the Board of Cumberland Area Investment Corporation as a member and chairman.  A local journalist and good friend of J.W. Brown, Don Napier once wrote – “If we had a lifetime achievement award, Jay Brown would surely get it.”