James Glennwood Browning

James Glennwood Browning, 65, a man who “meant what he said and said what he meant,” passed away quietly on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, after suffering a long battle from a knee replacement infection. He 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, Mont., to James “Glenn” and Leona Walters Browning, his first trip back to the Browning ranch near The Pines was in an airplane. He 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, he found a better way to deal with his teenage frustration by taking it out on the football field. As a natural athlete, he 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, Minn.

He lived life to the fullest extent - he worked hard and played harder. In the early ‘90s, he 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, he 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 walleye, he knew his way around the waters of Montana. He tracked elk through the Missouri Breaks and the south end of the Crazy Mountains. He 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. His 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.

Survivors include his wife and the love of his life, LouAnn “Pixie” Elmose, of Three Forks; one son, Jason Browning and his wife, Cathie, of Citrus Heights, Calif.; his children of the heart: Luke Oyler of Belgrade, Kelly Blatt of Bozeman and Laura Russett of Bozeman, and Adam and Aaron Browning; four grandchildren, Jeffrey, Brittani, Jaymie and Lincia; his mother, Lee Christiansen of Kingman, Ariz.; 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 his life was held at Jim and Pixie’s home, at 5150 Bench Road in Three Forks, on Friday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. If you knew and loved Jim, you were welcome to come. Guests were invited to 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.