James “X.Y.” Brown’s Obituary
Updates: August 10, 2026
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — James “X.Y.” Brown, the legendary Jacksonville police officer whose remarkable 68-year career made him the longest-serving member in the history of the Jacksonville Police Department, has died. He was 98 years old.
A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Brown answered his nation’s call during one of history’s defining conflicts before returning home to continue serving his community. Following his military service, he worked as a truck driver in civil service at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, where he remained employed from 1948 until 1985.
Around 1957, Brown began volunteering with the Jacksonville Police Department. His dedication quickly became evident, leading him to become a full-time officer in the early 1970s.
While many officers eventually retire after decades of service, Brown continued answering the call for nearly seven decades. In the mid-1980s, he transitioned into school crossing and community safety assignments, a role that would make him one of Jacksonville’s most beloved public servants.
Although Brown wore the badge of a police officer, many local families knew him simply as the smiling crossing guard at Northwoods Elementary School.
Every school day, he greeted children by name, ensured they crossed busy streets safely, and offered words of encouragement that often became lasting memories for students and parents alike.
His consistent presence earned him affectionate nicknames throughout the community, including “Jacksonville’s Granddad,” reflecting the warmth and genuine care he showed every child entrusted to his watch.
Brown retired from the Jacksonville Police Department in December 2025, concluding what is widely recognized as the longest career in department history and one believed to be among the longest tenures of any law enforcement officer in North Carolina.
During his retirement ceremony, city leaders and fellow officers celebrated nearly seven decades of dedication with numerous honors, including:
- A commemorative retirement badge.
- A department service plaque.
- Recognition by the City of Jacksonville.
- Flags flown in his honor over both the United States Capitol and North Carolina state government buildings.
- A commemorative brick installed at the Jacksonville Public Safety Remembrance Garden.
Among his highest distinctions was the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s most prestigious civilian awards, recognizing exceptional service and extraordinary contributions to the state.
Former Jacksonville Police Chief and City Council candidate Michael Yaniero paid tribute by remembering Brown as a public servant who “served the Jacksonville community with unwavering dedication, courage, and compassion,” adding that “Jacksonville is safer, stronger, and better because of Officer Brown’s life and work.”
He leaves behind a grateful city that was made safer—and immeasurably kinder—by his lifetime of service.