James William Brewington Jr., who played briefly in the National Football League before embarking on a career as a physical education teacher and coach, departed this life Nov. 27, 2012 at Bowling Green Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was 73.

Mr. Brewington, who became a Christian at an early age, was known fondly as “Champ,” “Big Brew,” “Coach,” and “Mr. B.”

A native of Greenville, N.C., he graduated from C.M. Eppes high School and then North Caroline Central University. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1961 and played for the Oakland Raiders in 1961 and 1962.

He began his career as a teacher at C.M. Eppes High School the following year. He taught at Union High School in Bowling Green from 1965-67 and also served as head coach for football and basketball, and he taught at Brentwood Junior High School in Brentwood, N.Y. from 1967-68 and also coached football and lacrosse.

Most of his career as a teacher was at Rose High School in Greenville, where he taught from 1969-90 and also served as a driver education instruction, football coach, and head basketball coach. He was athletic director from 1990-97.

He finished out his career teaching at Chancellor High School in Spotsylvania County, where he also served as football coach, and was employed part-time at Caroline High School from 2004-06.

Mr. Brewington was a member of St. John Baptist Church in Woodford and was a faithful servant of the trustee ministry. He founded the church’s on-going ‘Soul Food Sunday,’ the culminating commemoration of Black History Month, in 2007.

Mr. Brewington, who was the son of James W. Brewington Sr. and Eleanor Langley, leaves cherished memories to his devoted wife of 17 years, Reaver Delores Brewington; four sons, Michael Rene Brewington Sr. (Phyllis T.), William Derek Brewington, Sr. (Gerri S.), James William Brewington III, and Jamie Chancellor Brewington; one daughter, Sharon Michelle Brewington; 11 grandchildren, Michael Rene Brewington II, Atoya Terry, Alex Baldwin, Candice Brewington, Renata Brewington, William Derek Brewington II, Mia Giovanni Savage, Derek Cooper, Samantha Brewington, Chancellor Brewington, and Brooklin Brewington; four great-grandchildren, Kaden Sims, Jalen Savage, Madison Savage, and Isaiah Savage; a devoted uncle, Johnny Langley (Lula); an aunt, Corrine Langley; three stepchildren, Reaver Durham, Roger Derricott and Benton Derricott; two step-grandchildren, Bridgette Wright and Reaver D. Durham; two step-great-grandchildren, Tyrone Eugene Andrews Jr. and Paul Sessom; brother-in-law, Carl Chatman (Gloria); sister-in-law, Sara Chatman; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of his life was held Dec. 3 at St. John Baptist Church with the Rev. W.G. Berryman officiating. Interment was at the church cemetery.

Online condolences are available at www.cwedwardsfuneralhome.com.