John Brown, Alabama street evangelist known as ‘Jesus Man,’ dead at 80

HOMEWOOD, Ala. — John Brown, an Alabama street evangelist known as “Jesus Man,” died Tuesday, his granddaughter said. He was 80.

Brown, who came to the United States from Jamaica, began preaching on the streets of Homewood on Saturdays beginning in 2001, AL.com reported. Brown displayed more than 100 signs on Lakeshore Drive in Homewood, holding a microphone as he preached sermons as cars sped past, the website reported.

“The reason why I’m here is because God put me here,” Brown once told The Birmingham News in an interview. “What is wrong with one righteous man in the street telling people about God? I’m only a servant.”

Brown’s teeth were embossed with gold letters that spelled out the word, “Jesus.”

While some drivers enjoyed his 4-foot sign displays -- If you love Jesus, honk; if you don’t, pull over,” was one example -- others believed he was a nuisance, AL.com reported.

“People cuss me up,” Brown said. “Some come by and shake my hand.”

Brown said he was born in Jamaica and moved to Miami in 1962. He attended Bible school in New Jersey and has lived in the Birmingham area for 46 years.

Brown added that he refused medical treatment for Type 2 diabetes. He added that he never asked for donations.

 “I make it by faith,” Brown once said. “It’s not about money. I ain’t got none.”

Before his death, Brown said his health was not a concern, AL.com reported.

“I tell them Jesus will heal me and if he does not, then he is ready for me to come with him,” Brown said. “Either way is fine by me.”

Cox Media Group