James Blair “Jim” Brown was born in Birmingham, New York, on August 10, 1940, to Andrew Robertson Brown and Mary Augusta Blair Brown Davis. He graduated from Greenville Senior High School in Greenville, Pennsylvania, in 1959.

At the age of 22, Jim joined the Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, just outside of Greenville. After five years of service, he assumed the role of Chief, a position he held until his untimely death in 1980.

While serving as fire chief, Jim met Barbara Barker, who rented the fire department’s community hall to teach baton lessons. Barbara would later become his wife. Together they had one son, Scott William Brown, born in 1971. Scott was just shy of his ninth birthday when his father passed away.

In addition to serving the citizens of Hempfield Township, Jim worked as a professional firefighter for the Borough of Greenville, Pennsylvania, was employed in the Maintenance Department at St. Paul’s Homes, and also owned and operated the Brown Grocery Store.

Chief Brown was deeply respected and well loved by the members of his department. His leadership fostered one of the finest and most admired volunteer organizations in the state. He regularly attended trainings at the State Fire Academy in Lewistown, PA, where he was even offered opportunities to teach. He was also the driving force behind securing funding and support to acquire the area’s first hydraulic rescue tool, which went on to save countless lives.

On the day of his passing, Chief Brown was dispatched to a house fire in his first-due area. Arriving first in his command vehicle, which was not equipped with breathing apparatus, he was informed that someone was trapped inside. Without hesitation, he put his personal safety aside, entered the burning structure, and performed a primary search and rescue without respiratory protection. After extinguishment, Jim and his crews returned to the station to clean and restore equipment. While at the station, he suffered a heart attack. Despite the heroic efforts of his crew attempting to save his life, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Medical personnel advised that the heart attack was likely due to smoke inhalation sustained during the rescue effort.

Jim is remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, and step-son who left behind his wife, Barbara; his son, Scott; his sister, Mrs. Richard (Mary Ann) See; and his stepfather, Ray Davis. His parents preceded him in death.