Retired Jacksonville Police Department Lt. James “XY” Brown, who wore the badge and served the community nearly 70 years, died Saturday at the age of 98.
JPD confirmed Brown’s death on Sunday, saying he leaves an “everlasting legacy.”
Brown retired from the Jacksonville Police Department at the end of 2025 and was believed to be the longest-serving police officer in the United States with 68 years of service. Before wearing the badge, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then began working as a civil service truck driver on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in 1948.
Although Brown started full time as an officer with JPD in 1971, he began volunteering with the department in 1957. In 1985, he began his role as a crossing guard at Northwoods Elementary School, where he would cement his legacy for generations to come.
“For nearly four decades, he helped generations of students safely cross the streets of Jacksonville, a familiar and beloved face to all,” JPD said in a statement. “He loved children and the children loved him.”
Just days before his death, the Jacksonville City Council approved designating the school zone on Henderson Drive, adjacent to Northwoods Elementary School, with the honorary name, “Lt. James XY Brown Way.”
Earlier this year, Brown was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor presented by the governor to people who have made significant contributions to the state and their community through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
Councilman Michael Yaniero said Brown served the community with unwavering dedication, courage and compassion, and was known for his integrity and steady presence. Yaniero, a long-time Jacksonville director of public safety, retired in 2025 after a 40-year career in law enforcement.
“Lt. Brown touched countless lives through everyday acts of service that often went unseen but never unappreciated,” Yaniero said on social media. “His commitment to protecting others and his kindness toward those in need will be remembered always. Jacksonville is safer, stronger and better because of Officer Brown’s life and work.
“His legacy lives on in the community that he served so faithfully.”
The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office also released a statement Monday, saying Brown began serving before the Civil Rights Act, before the modern 911 system and before body-worn cameras and other now-common technology existed.
“He watched Jacksonville grow and change,” the statement said. “He saw generations of officers come and go. He watched children he once helped safely cross the street grow into parents and grandparents of their own.
“Through it all, he continued to serve.”
According to city officials, Brown was awarded the Fabric of Our Community Award in 2020 and received a lifetime achievement award from N.C. Project Lead in 2022.
Mayor Sammy Phillips has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff for a duration of seven days in Brown’s honor.
“On behalf of the city of Jacksonville and the city council, we offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Lt. ‘XY’ Brown, whose passing marks a profound loss for the Jacksonville community,” Phillips said.
“I had the pleasure of knowing ‘XY’ for many years and served with him on the Jacksonville Police Department. His loss marks the end of an era in service to Jacksonville.”
The city of Jacksonville created a YouTube video honoring Brown. Others in the region also honored the life and legacy of Brown, including sheriffs in Jones and Lenoir counties.