Jim Brown, a former 2nd class Petty Officer (SH2) in the USN, enlisted in the Navy Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in October of 1974. Upon completion of boot camp and Ships Serviceman “A” School, Jim was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS America CV66, out of Norfolk, VA. In the Spring of 1977, Jim entered the Navy Dive School, and upon completion, earned his 2nd class dive rating. He then completed multiple dive assignments throughout his Navy career. Jim was honorably discharged in 1982.

Jim graduated from Palm Beach State College with a dual-associate degree in Education and Dental Lab Technology. He entered the Palm Beach County Police Academy in November of 1984 and graduated in the Spring of 1985. Jim served in the Lake Park Police department for 15 years and an additional 20 years in the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Jim retired in November of 2020 and has been a founding WVRF board member since 2009.