Dr. James G. Brown, a dedicated Alexandria surgeon, died July 14 at his home following a long battle against acute myelodysplasia syndrome, a bone marrow disease. He was 83.
Dr. Brown was born January 24, 1924 in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1942-1945. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School in 1947. He served in the U.S. Air Force as Assistant Chief of Surgery at Scott AFB in Belleville, Ill.
Dr. Brown held many positions during his 36-year career in Alexandria hospitals, including President of the Medical Staff of Circle Terrace Hospital, Chief of Surgery at Alexandria Hospital and Circle Terrace Hospital, President of the Alexandria Medical Society and a Delegate to the Virginia Medical Society. After retiring from his surgical practice in 1991, Dr. Brown remained very active in the medical community through his involvement with the Alexandria Medical Society, the Alexandria Tumor Board and the Office of Continuing Medical Education.
Dr. Brown was a driving force behind what is now INOVA Alexandria Hospital, and helped establish the first permanent Emergency Room staff with specialty physicians, which became the model that was used throughout the country to ensure proper emergency care. He was an integral part in the establishment of thee Same Day Surgery Center at Alexandria Hospital, and he remained committed to Medicare reform and other national health care issues.
Dr. Brown was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished woodworker and licensed electrician, and he designed and built his own homes in Alexandria and Bayse, Virginia.
Dr. Brown is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Shirley Peeples Brown, a daughter, Barbara (Mark) Sweeney, a son, Brian Brown, granddaughters Caroline Sweeney and Erin Sweeney, all of Alexandria, granddaughter Amanda Brown, grandson Shane Jorgenson, and great-granddaughter Atyanna Brown Serveillon, all of Spring Hill, Florida.