United States Navy. Veteran of World War I. James E. Brown was born in Pensacola, Florida on April 28, 1894, on land that is now part of the Pensacola Navy Base, one of twelve children. He enlisted in the Navy in 1916. After serving two years in the Coast Watch, later named the U.S. Coast Guard, he served with the Navy during the Punitive Expedition in Mexico, and in Europe and Asia during World War 1.
In 1918, he came to California with the Navy and was stationed at Mare Island Navy Base in Vallejo, California. In 1921 he was transferred to North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego. During his navy career he served on many ships; U.S.S. Altair, Bushnell, Holland, Roper and U.S.S. Langley, to name a few. He is a member of the U.S.S. Langley's Covered Wagon Association.
James married Beulah L. Vaughn in 1918, and they had four children, two boys and two girls, James E. Jr., Gaylord, Juanita, and Arline.
James and Beulah were devoted V.F.W. members and James is a life member of Jesse Thomas Post, although inactive at this time. Before Beulah's death in 1985, they celebrated 67 years of marriage.
At the time of his death James Edward Brown was the oldest living veteran at 107 years old. Several news stations in San Diego covered his funeral and more than 500 people were in attendance. PR2 Samuel S. Young, USN led the US Navy Honor Guard which performed the ceremonial veterans honors. During the ceremony the CD player which was used to play Taps was accidentally kicked over and broken by a startled family member during the gun salute. After attempts to repair the radio failed a moment of silence was held in its place.
United States Navy. Veteran of World War I. James E. Brown was born in Pensacola, Florida on April 28, 1894, on land that is now part of the Pensacola Navy Base, one of twelve children. He enlisted in the Navy in 1916. After serving two years in the Coast Watch, later named the U.S. Coast Guard, he served with the Navy during the Punitive Expedition in Mexico, and in Europe and Asia during World War 1.
In 1918, he came to California with the Navy and was stationed at Mare Island Navy Base in Vallejo, California. In 1921 he was transferred to North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego. During his navy career he served on many ships; U.S.S. Altair, Bushnell, Holland, Roper and U.S.S. Langley, to name a few. He is a member of the U.S.S. Langley's Covered Wagon Association.
James married Beulah L. Vaughn in 1918, and they had four children, two boys and two girls, James E. Jr., Gaylord, Juanita, and Arline.
James and Beulah were devoted V.F.W. members and James is a life member of Jesse Thomas Post, although inactive at this time. Before Beulah's death in 1985, they celebrated 67 years of marriage.
At the time of his death James Edward Brown was the oldest living veteran at 107 years old. Several news stations in San Diego covered his funeral and more than 500 people were in attendance. PR2 Samuel S. Young, USN led the US Navy Honor Guard which performed the ceremonial veterans honors. During the ceremony the CD player which was used to play Taps was accidentally kicked over and broken by a startled family member during the gun salute. After attempts to repair the radio failed a moment of silence was held in its place.
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