This is a tremendous loss for everyone who has been fortunate enough to have their lives touched by John.

John Browne was a father, an educator, and a friend to many. To me, he was Uncle John. From the day I was born, until the day he passed, John was there. Throughout my childhood John had a vested interest in my education and its enrichment. John encouraged me to embrace my curiosity and thirst for knowledge and to never let anyone take that away. I remember dozens of phone calls where he would check on me, my grades, school plans, etc... The encouragement and support from John truly had a lasting impact on who I am today. 

Thank you, John, for the love and dedication you have shown not only to me but Danny Scarborough and Bertha Hall’s family as a whole. You have been there every step of the way for my mom (Diedtress), grandmother (Dianne), and me. I will miss our long conversations about the world, education, politics, and culture. You were opinionated but behind that opinion was a level of insight and wisdom that was rare and beautiful. Thank you for helping me embrace who I am and my place in the world. Being bookish, nerdy, geeky, etc... all those things were just a sign of someone who sought to understand the world around them and the people who lived in it. You helped me embrace that part of myself and find unwavering pride in it. 

I know that whatever I do in this lifetime, you'll always support me, cheer me on, and give me the boost in confidence that I need to not only embrace who I am, but to also ensure that not a soul can ever tell me who that is or change it. 

Thank you, Uncle John, for being present, loving, and generous for the 35 wonderful years you have been a part of my life. 35 years is too short for a blessing this great, and I hope I can spend the next 35 honoring your name and efforts as I continue to use the tools you've given me to cement my place in the world and truly love who I am and what my purpose is.

Always, 
Deonte Jackson

John, Diedtress & Deonte' in North Carolina, at Bertha's house 1989.

John
 
On behalf of my uncle, the late Dr. Danny L. Scarborough, my great-grandmother, the late Bertha H. Lewis and my mother, the late Dianne L. Jackson, my son, Deonte’ and I want to say how deeply we will miss you. You have been a steady presence in our lives, offering love, support, and loyalty. We owe so much to you.

I remember a couple of months after Danny passed away, you made the trip to North Carolina to check on us, especially Danny’s mother Bertha (Bubba). You assured us that we would always be your family. That moment, that promise, spoke volumes about who you were: a devoted and loyal friend.

One unforgettable and cherished moment was when we visited you and spent a week together in San Diego, and then you drove us to San Francisco to visit Muriel-Kathy. During our road trip to San Francisco you were dancing in the driver’s seat, singing, and clapping while enjoying your favorite jams. My mother, my son and I were silent, holding our breath and praying, until we finally pulled into Kathy’s driveway. The moment the car stopped, we abruptly jumped out. Once inside, we shared our road trip experience with Kathy. She smiled, then we all laughed, including you, because no matter what, you were always going to be John. 

One of the things we admired most about you was how seriously you took education. Recently, you reminded me that you still had Deonte’s school reports dating back to first grade! You made it a point to be involved—always checking in, always celebrating the milestones. You never missed notable events in our lives. Your love and presence were constant. 

I want to thank you for being part of the reason Deonte’ and I have always taken education so seriously. Your encouragement, support, and example played a meaningful role in inspiring us to pursue our education to the highest level. Your influence has left a lasting impact on our lives, and for that, we are grateful.  Rest in peace!

With love and respect, 
Diedtress & Deonte’

John Robert Browne II was my father. He was a kind and loving man and very stern. That was my father and I grew to love him very, very much over the fourteen years we had together.  He was a great advisor and mentor, and we would talkfor hours about  everything.

He loved the arts and education. He wrote a book and dedicated  it to me, his daughter.

He became my earthly protector.  I knew he was my bloodline because he was an open minded individual. 

I will miss his flesh, but continue to talk to him, because I know that he is there always.

With love always,

Kimberly

Kathy turns fifty with John and Frank at Chez Panisse

John and Frank Holmes at Mrs. Browne's Birthday celebration.

John And Makini Callahan  working on ways to enhance support  to   offered in schoools to African American males as part of the effort to reduce gangs and violence in San Diego.

John, Glenn and Danny Scarborough the evening he was awarded an EMMY AWARD!!!!

John and Glenn Ray, his friend from boyhood.  See Glenn's post about John.

John and Kathy after he received his award .

John and Kathy at the dinner honoring her years at the Black Federation.

John visiting his daughter Kimberly Elaine Hollins in Texas 2024.

Auntie, although you came into your dad‘s life at an adult age, just know that the memories that you have built with him with carry on I will continue to pray for strength through this time and just know that the family loves you❤️

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,”
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/2th.2.16.NIV

Love you Auntie Kim Praying for you..

To my auntie Kim, I love you and I am praying for your strength..

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

John was a good friend, colleague and an advocate for Justice.  We both attended New Creation Church of San Diego where he also served on the Board of Directors.  He was Brilliant and one who insisted on excellence in all he did.  He was a powerful voice for demanding a quality education for all children!  He will be missed.  He is now with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

TO JOHN

To my oldest and dearest friend, John Browne (“with the ‘e’ on the end,” as we all use to tease him). You and I have been friends since the 7th grade at Pilgrim Elementary.  And as my best friend, we shared many dreams, losses, experiences, good and bad. Through it all, we remained the best of friends whom I will forever cherish. 
I recall our many experiences, the last of which was our trip to Puerto Vallarta to welcome in the new century at which time I gave up smoking and with your help, have not smoked since. You have been a loyal friend over time and did not hesitate to give me a swift kick in the rear when I needed it. I am most grateful to you for making it possible to receive a Ford Experienced Teacher Fellowship that permitted me to get my doctorate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I remember my last year in Amherst when we were roommates. What a lesson—we can be the best of friends, but we cannot live together!

I am going to miss you my dear friend—your keen intellect, your generosity, your love of my fried chicken and your particular view of people and this world. Rest in peace my dear friend.

With much love and respect,
Glenn Ray

OBITUARY

Dr. John Robert Browne II

24 July, 1941 – 17 April, 2025

Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services