Incident
Officer Brown died as a result of a ruptured spleen and heart attack shortly after struggling with a suspect near the corner of East Trade and North College Streets.
Officer Brown had testified against the suspect earlier in the day and the man was overheard by another officer that he was going to cause Officer Brown to lose his job.
Officer Brown returned to his post following the court proceeding and was confronted by the man a short time later. He told the man to continue on his way or he would be arrested. Words were exchanged and a struggle ensued after a brief foot chase. Officer Brown was able to take the suspect into custody and he was removed to the police station. The officer felt ill and was attended to by the city physician, who sent him home. He suffered a heart attack a short time after arriving at home.
The coroner ruled Officer Brown's death accidental as a result of the heart attack and ruptured spleen. All charges against the suspect were dropped.
Officer Brown had served with the Charlotte Police Department for 6 months. He was survived by his wife and one child. He was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and one child.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Brown served with the Charlotte Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Charlotte community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Brown.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Charlotte Police Department has lost 18 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
James is one of 33 officers lost to cardiac events in NC, 5% of the 664 remembered there.
James is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1904, 1 officer in NC was lost to cardiac events, the 5th heaviest of 29 years on record. The heaviest was 1967, with 2.
In 1904, 2 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 107th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1904, 2 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 107th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
James was 29. Of the 33 lost to cardiac events in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 53; the middle age was 46. James had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
James was 29. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
James was 29. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
August holds 12.1% of these deaths in NC; January holds the most, 15.2%. Tuesdays: 9.1%.
August holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
August holds 8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 5.6% of all 18 deaths at Charlotte Police Department, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 5% of all 664 deaths in NC, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Charlotte Police Department has 18 officers remembered here, James among them.
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James Moran Apr 4, 1892
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James H. Brown Aug 2, 1904
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John Robert Estridge
Mar 29, 1913
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Joseph Eckels Orr Sep 29, 1926
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John North Byers Sep 30, 1926
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Robert M. Reid
Jan 1, 1927
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Harvey Edgar Correll
Jan 22, 1929
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Thomas H. Jenkins
Oct 21, 1929
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Benjamin H. Frye
Jun 9, 1930
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Charles P. Nichols
Apr 17, 1936
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Charlie Herbert Baker
Apr 12, 1941
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Johnny Reed Annas
May 21, 1960
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Edmond N. Cannon
Nov 23, 1981
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Ernest Coleman
Jul 1, 1982
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Timothy Wayne Whittington
Jul 16, 1985
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Robert Louis Smith
Jan 15, 1987
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Milus Terry Lyles
Aug 6, 1990
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Eugene A. Griffin
Nov 22, 1991
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-E
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