Motivational Poster Thread (warning content)

Officer James "XY" Brown, a legendary Jacksonville, NC police officer and WWII veteran, retired in December 2025 at 98 years old after an incredible 68-year career. Known as one of the nation's longest-serving officers, he worked as a crossing guard at Northwoods Elementary for 39 years.
Key details about Officer XY Brown:

• Retirement Age: 98 (as of December 2025).
• Service Length:
  68 years with the Jacksonville Police Department
  .
• Role: Served as a reservist, part-time officer, and long-time school crossing guard.
• Legacy: Known for his dedication to protecting children, famously stating he would put people in "timeout" for breaking school zone laws.
• Honors: A brick was placed in his honor at the public safety remembrance garden.

He was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine last month.

What they don't mention is that he stood in the highway directing traffic at the turn off to the veteran's cemetery in all weather, countless times. I'd think I was holding up fine until I'd see him standing there, arrow straight, holding his salute as the funeral procession passed, and my eyes would pool up every time.

Nobody in town could control traffic like XY Brown. Nobody.