James Browne Ii

James Scott Browne II, 60, of Blue Springs, MO, passed peacefully from the arms of his family at home into the arms of the Lord Jesus in Heaven on Sept. 22, 2011. Jim was born Jan. 7, 1951, in Independence, MO, the third of Edwin and Joy Browne’s four children. He grew up in Lawrence, KS, and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1976 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism (Radio, TV, Film). On May 18, 1974, he married Donna Pritchard, his soul mate and best friend, and they were blessed with 37 wonderful years. Together they raised their three beloved children: Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Scotty.
In 1971, Jim began his career in radio at KXTR in Independence, MO, selling advertising during the day, and working on air as the night shift announcer. He later became Chief Announcer at KANU in Lawrence, KS, and Program Director at KXTR. In 1980 he began his long career in media production when he joined Larry Nicholson Productions. Three years later, he set up and managed Showcase Productions, and in 1985, he established his own video production company, Jim Browne and Associates, Inc., a business that continues to serve numerous local corporate clients. Excellence, hard work, creativity and fun were values Jim promoted in his company. Jim always considered his clients to be his friends, and served them as such. He also had many dear friends at his workplace and among his freelance vendors.
Jim was a devoted family man, and was very proud of all of his family’s accomplishments -- in academia, in sports, and especially in the arts. He was ecstatic when his grandson, William, was born in 2008, and developed a very special bond with him. Jim made friends easily, and held them in high esteem. He knew how to have a good time, and his family and friends were so blessed to enjoy life by his side. He always looked out for the underdog, consistently remembering those less fortunate than himself. He was an avid KU sports fan, and rumor has it that his first word was “Jayhawk.” He will be fondly remembered for his fun-loving ways, his generosity and integrity, and his strong faith in Jesus Christ that was central in his life.
During the last year of his life, Jim fought cancer with a faith in the Lord and a positive outlook that was unshaken to the end. He knew that life is a gift from God, and he delighted to draw nearer to God, even as he experienced suffering and medical setbacks. Jim and Donna were sustained during this time by God’s wonderful grace and presence, and the prayers and encouragement from family, friends, and the healing ministers at the International House of Prayer. Jim enjoyed making new friends among the health professionals that worked so hard to extend his life, and he prayed every day for his old and new friends who were dealing with cancer and other maladies.
Jim truly knew how to live each day fully, and his spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was confident that the Lord would heal him. That healing took place on September 22nd, as he was escorted to glory.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Joy Browne. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Donna Pritchard Browne, of Blue Springs, and their three children and spouses, Elizabeth and Jonathan Robinson of Novato, CA, Rebecca and David Oertli of Loveland, CO, and James Scott Browne III of Kansas City, MO; his grandson, William Robinson of Novato; his siblings Roy and Gina Browne of Independence, Ruthann and John Siebert and Nancy Browne of Blue Springs; and many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunt, and cousins.
A Memorial Celebration will be held at 3 p.m., Oct. 23, 2011, at the historic Stone Church, 1012 W. Lexington Ave, Independence, MO. Memorial contributions are welcome to the Jim Browne Servant Leadership Fund of the National Christian Foundation, Heartland (913-310-0279), or to Outreach International (816-833-0883).