Compare Funeral DirectorsAdd your business
← Back to Belfast
James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors

James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors

4.8(51 reviews)See reviews ↓·Belfast

About the company

James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors is a funeral directing business in Belfast, established in 1904 when James Brown moved from Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, to Belfast and set up his own business. The business arranged its first funeral in 1932. It is part of Funeral Partners Limited and is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Irish Association of Funeral Directors. The company offers a prepaid funeral plan called Choice.

It launched a £25,000 Community Fund to support local charities and not-for-profit organisations. James Brown & Sons has funeral homes in Belfast – Newtownards Road, Belfast – Knockbreda Road, Belfast – Lisburn Road, Dundonald, Dunmurry, Newtownabbey and Whiteabbey. All funeral homes, apart from Belfast – Knockbreda Road, have their own service venues on-site and are served by Roselawn Cemetery & Crematorium. Main services include funeral planning and arranging individual and unique funerals.

What customers say

Based on genuine customer reviews

Belfast households facing bereavement speak of a firm that handles both cremation services and funeral home arrangements with consistent care. Reviewers repeatedly highlight how staff explain costs and the sequence of events beforehand, removing uncertainty from decisions that families find difficult. The attention given to the deceased is frequently commended, with requests carried out as expressed and appearances maintained to the family's satisfaction.

Particular thanks are directed at Anne Marie, Joan, Deborah, Chloe, Andrew, Rebecca, Ruth, Nicola, Riana, Brandon and Mike, each credited with guiding relatives patiently through planning and the day itself, while the celebrant Mark is praised for tailoring tributes to wishes that had been shared. Accounts note that the same considerate and professional manner has been sustained across multiple funerals arranged by one household, and that queries raised at any point received clear answers. Difficulties, when they occurred, were resolved discreetly and calmly. Standards did not lapse once the service had passed, with continued support noted afterwards, and several families describe the experience as exactly what they had hoped for.

Cremation ServiceFuneral home
James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors — Customer photo

Reviews

Reviews are taken from publicly available sources.

CB
Charlene Barnes9 February 2026

As a young widow and my husband, Basil, passing very suddenly, a funeral was not something we had ever discussed or planned for. Alison was absolutely amazing and lovingly talked us through every step and gave us all the time we needed to make decisions. Basil was cared for with the utmost dignity and respect and he looked so peaceful. On the day of the funeral, Steven and Tom were wonderful, making sure everything ran smoothly. The entire team, made the worst moment of our lives that little bit easier, and there are no words to say how grateful we are as a family. Thank you. Charlene Barnes and family.

KP
karen porter5 February 2026

Our family has organised several funerals with James Brown and they have always been sensitive and professional, the staff go that extra mile to make sure everything is as uncomplicated as possible.. My particular thanks to Ruth, Chloe and Andrew and to our Celebrant Mark who listened carefully to our wishes and concerns and pitched the service perfectly.

NH
Nikki Hitching21 January 2026

Rebecca who went through the whole procedure with us was excellent and very professional. The man i can’t remember name who visited house before mum arrived home was respectful and professional. Andrew was very professional and helpful before and during the funeral. I had a very positive experience with all staff I came across.

AM
Alison Mccune19 January 2026

magnificent from start to finish absolutely talked me through everything cost and what will be happening on the day of funeral there was nothing that they couldn't do if we asked would really recommend james brown funeral directors to family and friends

C
Charlene14 September 2025

Recently I buried my father in law and Rebecca made it very easy, she went above and beyond to surprise the family with special touches that brought a smile when we thought there would be none. Andrew also brought peace to the family and took time out of his own day to help. I will now be going back to arrange my own funeral with them as I know with them I'll be in good hands. Thanks to James Brown and Sons for everything

AG
Alex Goss25 July 2025

I was touched by and so grateful for the personal and professional service we had from Brown's in the conduct of our mother's funeral. From the on call team to the attendance at the thanksgiving service, we didn't know what we needed, but the team at Browns did. Joan gently but deftly guided us through each decision to be made, allowing her sense of humour to be shared once we started that ball rolling. Always with respect for Mum and for us. With a phone query, I spoke to the lovely reassuring Rebecca. Andrew and team were there on the day. What a helpful gentleman. Unobtrusively, again, that sure touch led us through the stages of the ceremonies, with attention to every detail, some ordinary, some quirky. Sincere thanks to all the team, from the McKeown family. I'm sure others will be adding their thanks to that expressed so far.

SG
Sarah Graham19 June 2025

Deborah was outstanding she was so kind & really helped us with the entire process which was very overwhelming & emotional. I also have to mention David Brown who was so professional & made the day of the funeral easier for us as a family. I cannot thank the staff enough for their kindness & support.

Funeral directors in Belfast compared

Ordered by rating, weighted by the number of reviews — businesses with only a handful of reviews do not jump to the top automatically. 5 businesses in this category in Belfast are compared.

RankProviderRatingReviewsOpen Sat.
1O'Neills Funeral Directors Ltd★ 5,046Yes
2PJ Brown Belfast★ 5,017Yes
3James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors (this page)★ 4,851Yes
4O'Kanes Funerals★ 4,718Yes
5Wilton Funeral Directors★ 4,723Yes
Contact
Working hours
Monday00:00–24:00
Tuesday00:00–24:00
Wednesday00:00–24:00
Thursday00:00–24:00
Friday00:00–24:00
Saturday00:00–24:00
Sunday00:00–24:00