James Glennwood Browning

James Glennwood Browning, a man who “meant what he said and said what he meant,” passed away quietly on October 9, 2015 after suffering a long battle from a knee replacement infection. Jim was a big man with an even bigger spirit, one who possessed a gentle heart despite having a hard head. You always knew where you stood with him.

Born in Glasgow, Montana to James “Glenn” and Leona Walters Browning, his first trip back to the Browning Ranch near The Pines, was in an airplane. Jim was mainly raised by his father, who as the Chief of Police ruled his son with an iron fist. Being full of mischief, and much to his father’s chagrin, trouble easily found him. Instead of turning to a life of local larceny, Jim found a better way to deal with his teen-age frustration by taking it out on the football field. As a natural athlete, Jim excelled at the sport as a linebacker for the Glasgow Scotties, and earned a scholarship to MSU, which he promptly turned down in favor of playing at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Jim lived life to the fullest extent – he worked hard and played harder. In the early 90’s, Jim and business partner Dave Murphy started Tin Works, a sheet metal business in Bozeman. Jim retired in 2005 to live a life of leisure, although that didn’t last long. Shortly after retirement, he took an 18 month long job down in Punta Mita, Mexico, a place that became his home-away-from-home. He loved the people of Mexico, tried to be a friend to them all – especially the little kids, making sure they always had change for candy. His face was always a welcome one on each return. He took his job as a hefe boss seriously, treating his help with equality, respect and compassion – unless you didn’t get the job done. Then, he just may saw your desk in half and throw it out the window.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Jim spent many a day in the great outdoors. From fishing for trout in the Bear Trap on annual man-retreats, to boating on Fort Peck Reservoir for the elusive wall-eye, Jim knew his way around the waters of Montana. He tracked elk through the Missouri Breaks and the South end of the Crazy Mountains. Jim had a fierce, competitive spirit: he could start a fight and end it with one phrase, give his all on the golf course, bluff his way through a poor poker hand, or play any game for the chance to claim bragging rights. He loved fine food and wine, especially in the company of friends. Jim’s wicked sense of humor got him in and out of too many jams to mention, made him enemies but even more friends, and kept him going through the most difficult of times.

Jim Browning is survived by his wife and the love of his life, LouAnn “Pixie” Elmose of Three Forks; Son Jason (Cathie) Browning of Citrus Heights, California; his children of the heart: Luke Oyler of Belgrade, Montana, Kelly Blatt of Bozeman and Laura Russett of Bozeman; and Adam and Aaron Browning. Grandchildren: Jeffrey, Brittani, Jaymie, and Lincia; his mother Lee Christiansen of Kingman, AZ, and his good dog Zeppelin and bad cat Rocko, and many well-loved, life-long friends.

Not much for fanfare, Jim’s request to not have a funeral or memorial service will be honored. Alternatively, a get-together in celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Jim and Pixie’s home, at 5150 Bench Road in Three Forks, on Friday, October 16th, 4 p.m. If you knew and loved Jim, you are welcome to come. Bring an appetite, a lawn chair and a “Jim story” to share.

In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family wishes for all donations to be given to the Three Forks Ambulance Service.