Caldwell School Principal Dies; Was ‘Natural Leader Of People’

CALDWELLS, NJ — NOTE: Caldwell-West Caldwell district administrators said James Brown passed away from COVID-19 complications. Our original story follows below. Read our update here.

The Caldwell-West Caldwell school community is reeling from the death of James Brown, the principal of Grover Cleveland Middle School (GCMS) in Caldwell, authorities reported Thursday.

The West Caldwell Police Department shared news of Brown’s passing via a heartfelt social media message of condolence:

“From the first day you were introduced as a young vice principal at James Caldwell High School, we could instantly tell that there was something special about you. You were a natural leader of people. When you would speak on a subject matter there was something about the manner that you spoke where the room sat up and listened. We were all happy for you and your family when we heard the news that you were moving to Grover Cleveland Middle School and moving up to be the new principal. Our schools are the safest around as a direct result of your hard-work and advocating to keep school safety as the district’s top priority. Our department’s school safety team will always remember how passionate you were when talking about all of the benefits of the LobbyGuard system that you were able to pilot in your school.”

“Mr. Brown, you were not only a colleague, but also a great friend to the members of the West Caldwell Police Department,” police wrote. “You will surely be missed. May you rest in eternal peace.”

Patch has reached out to district officials for more information. We will update this article with any reply we receive.

John Bertollo, vice principal at James Caldwell High School, also posted a message of condolence on social media.

According to the district website, Brown began his service at GCMS after working as a vice principal at James Caldwell High School for six years. Over more than two decades in education, Brown taught English at both the middle school and high school level, has served as a high school dean of students, and was an assistant varsity coach for the football and girls' basketball teams.

Brown received a bachelor's degree in English literature from Rutgers University and a master's degree in educational administration from Kean University.

West Essex Now shared a message to the school community from Caldwell-West Caldwell Superintendent James Heinegg on Thursday. It partly read:

“It is with deep sadness that I share with you the tragic loss of Mr. Jim Brown, GCMS Principal, who has passed away. Middle school classes are suspended for the remainder of today as our staff processes this loss and prepares supports for our children.”

Caldwell Borough Council President Christine Schmidt offered a message of sympathy on behalf of the council and mayor:

“Dr. James Heinegg informed us this morning of the passing of our beloved GCMS principal, James Brown. The mayor and council join our entire community in sending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the many colleagues, staff and students whose lives he has touched. The school is providing resources which can help students process this terrible loss. James Brown will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by our entire community.”

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