NYS Senate mourns Alzheimer’s Advocate
Sen. Akshar introduces resolution in memory of Jim Browning
There was a Superman-like quality to Jim Browning that everyone respected.
When his wife, Donna, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in her 50s, he quit his job to take care of her. He didn’t go into hiding. He took a job as a school bus driver so he could get out during the day, hiring caregivers to be with Donna at home. He stayed involved with the local volunteer fire department in Mt. Upton, where he and Donna were longtime volunteers. He formed a Walk To End Alzheimer’s team and rallied a community around Donna.
He got involved in advocacy on behalf of Donna and the hundreds of thousands of others impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. And, when Donna died in 2015 at the age of 61, he kept going because he knew that others needed his help.
He touched the lives of a countless number of people over the years and his passing in August 2019 left a hole in the hearts of more than just his family and friends. It was sent a ripple through an entire community.
The ripple was felt in the office of New York State Senator Fred Akshar. As an Alzheimer’s advocate, Jim developed a personal relationship with the senator and the staff in his office. On January 14, the fourth day of session for the New York State legislature, Sen. Ashkar introduced J.2444, a Senate Resolution “Mourning the death of James Allison Browning, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community.”
Jim is missed by his family and friends, but his memory lives on. In fact, it will live on forever in New York State law.
The resolution reads:
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; andWHEREAS, James Allison Browning of Mount Upton, New York, died on
Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at the age of 69; andWHEREAS, Born on September 6, 1949, son of the late Reginald and
Florence (Maynard) Browning in Sidney, New York, James Allison Browning
married the former Donna Gaughan on May 26, 1973, who predeceased him in 2015; andWHEREAS, James Allison Browning was the loving caretaker of his
wife, who had Alzheimer’s disease; prior to her death, Donna Browning
was a dedicated advocate for the Central New York Chapter of the
Alzheimer’s Association; andWHEREAS, James Allison Browning distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; andWHEREAS, He began his career as a metrologist in 1978, completing
the apprentice program at Scintilla; he retired from Amphenol after 40
years of distinguished service; andWHEREAS, James Allison Browning’s commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; andWHEREAS, James Allison Browning was a dedicated member of Borden
Hose Company of Mount Upton and Rockdale for more than three decades;
andWHEREAS, James Allison Browning, who was a car enthusiast and loved
spending time with his family, is survived by two daughters, Germaine
(Kevin) Rodda, and Gwendolyn (Butch) Faulkner; four grandchildren,
Alexandria, Timothy and Matthew Grow and Justin Rodda; one sister, Susan
Barnes; and his companion, Jayne Phillips; as well as many nieces and
nephews; andWHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James Allison Browning leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be itRESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of James Allison Browning, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community.
