I was fortunate to get to know James in high school and was immediately struck with his humor and passion for music(!). I later learned of his deep appreciation of the natural beauty of the West. I know that he now has front row seats for every beautiful sunrise, October Rockies game, and great rock concert he could ever want to see. We'll play video games and hang out again someday, James. Maybe you'll even let me win...

You are the most inspiring person I have ever known and I have always looked up to you. Having you in my life has helped me and will continue to help me stay strong and appreciate everyday. You helped me out in so many ways from giving me a ride on the back of your scooter when my legs got tired to never getting us lost on our many camping trips. James, you are the brother that the Lehmann girls never had and we will miss you so much. Your personality, strength, and so many amazing memories will never be forgotten. Love you so much, I know you will always be there to help us find our way when were lost.
Love Caitlin

My heart is filled with sorrow at the loss of such an incredible human being. The world needs more people like James to encourage and inspire us and remind us to live every day to the fullest and spread love and laughter everywhere we go. So many wonderful childhood memories at the Browning house, moments i will cherish for a lifetime! Thank you, James, Christie and Jim for your endless compassion and unmatched zest for life!

Dear Jim and Christie,
So sorry to hear about James.  I agree with Muk-Tuk, James will not be forgotton. I'm so glad we were able to visit with you in Grand Junction and reacquaint with the adult James.  You were wonderful parents to James, building your lives and activities around him.  I know there is a big hole in your life without him.  I am holding all of you in my heart and prayers.  With love and sympathy.

A wonderful spirit is gone from our lives, & a bright light has been extinguished.  James was always positive, never judgmental or critical; his glass was always half-full.  He had friends from all backgrounds, ages, & areas, had many interests, loved nature, loved traveling, was "The Man" on west U.S. geography, & had a refined sense of humor.  He did more living in his handicapped state than most healthy people do in twice as many years, & appreciated it more.  He will be sorely missed.  Here's to you James, "Cheers!"  
Don & Donna

It is so clear from all of these beautiful, sincere entries that you were truly a one-of-a-kind guy, a special treat in all of our lives.  From elementary school teachers, to family, friends, and acquaintances your unforgettable character made a strong and lasting impression on everyone who met you. 

I am so glad to have grown up with your family being such a big part of ours. I remember how proud I felt having you as a friend of mine when I was young, and that has never changed; I am so proud to have known you. I am trying to find a paper I wrote about you for an English class in middle school about a personal hero, I hope it shows up somewhere so I can share it. That's what you were, a Hero to so many  of us.
 
Keep watching over us. I'll see you at the Rockies games next Spring. I promise I won't become a Rangers fan :)
Love you so much, Games.
 
Love always,
Gach

I have felt truly blessed to have had James as a best friend, travel buddy, drinking partner, best man at my wedding, and a friendship that made James always feel like a brother to me growing up. I believe that when we lose someone close to us they still live through us and give us strength, and the time we have spent with those we've lost makes them apart of us. Both Katrina and I will always remember James for his thoughtfulness, outgoing spirit, love of nature, and adventurous personality. We hope to continue living our lives with the great qualities and ambitions that James had, to keep his spirit alive. I will always remember growing up with James and the life lessons he has taught me through the years. His strength, wisdom, and unselfishness towards others made James into a person I think everyone strives to become. James will be missed not only as a friend but as someone to look up to and admire. To Jim and Christie, although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear; please know that Katrina and I are very close through our thoughts and prayers.

Kevin Brim & Katrina Ramos

I have wonderful memories of a cute little first grader at Soda Creek.  I was sad to hear of James death.  I loved having James as my student as he was always so happy and cheerful. I heard from friends what a wonderful young man he had become.  May your memories sustain you.
Love

Dear Christy and Jim;
We can't believe James is no longer in our lives. We will miss his smile and navigational skills. He always had an interest in our jeeping adventures and wanted to hear every detail of our off-road trips. We imagine he is in Heaven now doing his own "off-road" exploring and loving every minute of it. We can hear James saying to God, "let's see where that road takes us". Hope Heaven is ready for James and his love of adventure. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Love,
Judy and Dick Brim
Newport, OR.

My Dear Friends... After reading all these "gracious truths" about James, I wonder what more can be said about your exceptional son ?  " He was always cheerful, in any weather, Always comfortable, like well-worn leather.  Always strong...rarely gettin' down, A gentle confidence, Don't think I ever saw a frown.  Truckin' on that Scooter... He was an Intrepid Rover, Keep Movin' there, Jim, HE'S ABOUT TO RUN US OVER ! Canyon or bike path, He cruised it all... Loving and Living Life, Winter, Spring, Summer, & Fall.  A Steamboat kid, from A to Z...When it came to Life's Meaning, he had the Key.  Work with what ya got, every night and every day... If your gonna get er' done, You better go All the Way.  And that's what James did, over his 32 years, Taught us a lot about Courage, an inspiration to us, and to all of his peers.  He's going to live in our Hearts, as long as we're around...His Life's simple statements, Oh so Profound.  How Lucky could I be, Our Birthday's were both July 29...How Lucky could I be, He was a Friend of Mine.

Very sorry for your loss. I remember James well. One of my favorite students even though we weren't supposed to have favorites!   Always smiling, polite and cheerful and an excellent student.  God rest his soul.  
Steve Kaufman, Soda Creek Elementary School (retired)

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight. 
I am the soft stars that shine at night. 
Do not stand at my grave and cry, 
I am not there; I did not die.

Thank you James for this beautiful day and bringing us to this place.  We wrote your name in the snow.

The Perkins

If any of us can ever be so blessed as to serve as an inspiration to a fellow brother or sister in the short time that we have on this earth, then our lives are that much richer for it.   In his smile and his courage, James was an inspiration to so many people in so many ways; I doubt he ever realized in this life the impact that he had on so many others.  Thank you James.

Dear Christie and Jim,
Our thoughts were with you today at noon and have been since we heard the news. Everyone who ever met James was inspired by his grace and courage. He made the most of his time on this earth.  Mission accomplished James. We are all better for having known you.

Love,
Michael, Cheryl and Corrina Schliske

How fortunate we are to have known James as a friend and neighbor.  His positive energy and great sense of humor are an inspiration to us; his patience and gentle nature a guiding light for anyone who ever knew him.  James has given us so much and we can never forget him.  We love you James; we love you Christie and Jim.  Sincerely, Kevin, Karen, and Katie Kiefer

Dear Jim and Christie.
I am so sorry for your loss but I know you were blessed with 32 years. I have spent time with so many young people but James was always so special to me. I feel priviliged to have been a part of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Stacey Libby (Palisade CO)

Dear Christie and Jim,
Watching James grow up in Steamboat and always being moved by his positive spirit we were saddened to read of his passing in the Pilot this morning. We always had nothing but great admiration for your entire family.  You are in our thoughts.
Holly & David M. Williams, M.D.

We are thinking of you Jim and Christie. We will be thinking of James at noon today. Love, Spanky, Kris, Jordan and Jennie

James, we've had many wonderful times over the years; so many great memories! I feel very blessed to have you in my life. Jim and Christie, you raised such an fine human being. Smart, funny, kind and so sweet. One of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of calling my friend. 

James, you have been a light in so many of our lives (and a compass too! what will those of us with no sense of direction do without you?) When I think of you, it will always be of your strength, your good humor, and your lightheartedness. I hope we can all honor you, by striving for those qualities. I love you.

Dear Christie and Jim,

Sending you both and James my love and best wishes.  I can't tell you the roll you all played in my early years.  Staying at your house was a refuge from the world, a place where all the adolescent struggles and angst seemed to disappear for a weekend (and I'm guessing it was the same for most of his friends).  You all were unwavering in the generosity with which you welcomed us weekend after weekend--welcomed us as family.  Looking back, Christie, I feel like you were the first person in my life to engage me in conversation like I was an adult, which was immensely valuable for this uncertain young lad and for which I'm deeply grateful.  

But most of all, James was a model of perseverance, positivity, and joy.  He faced the world with such upbeat courage that one couldn't help but absorb it just by being in his presence.  I can still remember my first time talking to him on the playground at Strawberry Park, my first time camping with you all during that survival summer camp, and then of course hours and hours of Metallica, movies, and conquering virtual world after virtual world.  Such rich, rich times.  I know that I and every other friend of his were blessed to have you all in our lives, and I will cherish his memory always.  My absolute best wishes to you in this time of loss, Christie and Jim.

James, thank you for showing me strength. You will never know how many lives you have altered just by being so strong. You have been the butterfly, my friend, who flapped its wings quietly and unknowingly changed lives across the world. Thank you for the breezes that tousle my baby's hair, the raging gusts that change everything, and especially the calm... that makes me remember to breathe.

A true inspiration! I have so many great memories of James and can't count how many times he made me laugh and smile. We would have never have finished The Legend of Zelda if it wasn't for his keen Nintendo skills and his love for hard rock music will always live on! His sense and desire of adventure was unmatched and his courage and strength was second to none. You will truly be missed my friend and my heart goes out to the two most patient and loving parents that a child could ask for! Rock on James, we all love you man!

James was the best best friend a guy could have, a wonderful person, and a blast to spend time with.  Hearing the news was so painful but it also reminded me of all the good times we had.  Jim and Christie I love you guys, James will be dearly missed.

J- Joyful and always lit up the room
A- Appreciation for the outdoors
M- Metallica, Korn:)  Brian and I always looked forward to hearing about the most recent concert and James’s love for music 
E- Exceptional human being to all he encountered
S- Strength unlike anyone I have every known

James possessed so many incredible qualities the list could go on forever.  Every time I think of James I hear his laugh and see his smile.  James- I will never forget our childhood trips,  your adventurous spirit, love of life, passion for the outdoors and kind heart.  I feel so blessed to have had you as a friend and will miss you always. Love you.

The passing of James is a loss to everyone who knew him and those who didn't know him as he made the world a better place. His infectious smile, his desire to learn and ability to teach without knowing it, his optimistic and insightful perspective, love of nature and funny comments or jokes will all be missed. However, he will continue to be a guiding light and inspiration to all who knew him. James taught me many things in such a short period of time and I'm so thankful for his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Christie.  May he rest and peace and we meet again.  Love Steve, Jeanne, Megan and Mike

It has always been an honor to know James.  His loving heart and inspiring way of being will be missed, but never forgotten. 
Laura (Fort Collins)

Dusty and I will miss James.    My boys will miss James even more.   James found the secret to living life in the most enlightened way.    It was as if he was able to harness the energy which took him physically away little by little and almost like Newton's third Law transcended that energy into a greater wisdom.  He had an inner strength that was palpable and open.   He tolerated the honest questions of two young boys and inspired a friendship that made them forget for a moment that he might be in a wheelchair.   It has been a true gift to befriend this family.  I look to James for guidance in all my struggles and to Christie and Jim as they gladly sacrificed everything as parents.   James was a very special man, so much so, it is truly all our loss he is no longer here to consult.   We love you and thank you for showing us how we can live better.  
Our love and Sympathy to Jim and Christie.
Love,
The Perkins

My condolences Jim and Christie. James was a strong spirit.

We have had the good fortune not only to know the Brownings ,but,to be related and to have incredible memories of the last 32 years+. I will never forget James  sitting in my lap driving my P.U. truck down 20 mile road in Steamboat.
 James has been a gift to us in his life and in his passing. People like James are brought into this life to teach us all how to be better at living. It is amazing the way that James has touched people in a positive way! His spirit will always be close to all his friends and family.
                Love John & Michael

If anyone ever asked me to tell them about one of my favorite real-life characters, I would tell them about James.  I will never forget him, from Mrs. Whitehead's kindergarten class to graduation in '98.  He was always one to have a smile on his face, and an inner strength that inspired everyone around him.  My deepest sympathy for your loss.

James touched my heart and will forever be etched in my memory.  I looked forward to his wonderful holiday cards featuring "Chudleigh" the dog....what a wonderful young man who has left this world too soon.  Love and prayers to Jim and Christie....

James will be missed by everyone he met he was special and all of us at the vet hospital will miss his visits.Christie you are a special mother and words are not enough tosay we are saddened by your loss.
 Michael Gotchey, Shannon Gotchey,and the staff at Steamboat Veterinary Hospital

I was lucky enough to have James in my class.  No matter what was going on he always maintained his subtle humor, good will, infectious smile and determination. Even at that young age, he showed an interest in others rather than himself.  A true inspiration for everyone.

I have known James since pre school and cherish the memories his family and I have made throughout the years.  He has been the toughest guy I have ever known and taught us all a lesson in compassion and understanding.  Christy and Jim are the parents any kid could ever hope to have, always patient and positive to be around.  I take comfort in knowing that James is free, he leaves us all better people for having known him and his loving family.

James u will be missed, you were always like another brother to me. I enjoyed seeing u and talking to u. You and frank were two peas in a pod. Rest in peace miss u.

I'm so sorry to hear of James's passing.  He is truly a wonderful friend.  I have many fond memories of spending time with him and the guys on the weekends playing games and eating pizza.  I have always admired his positive attitude in life and how much better he made everybody feel just by being around him.

Jim and Christie you are amazing people and you have such great hearts.  I think you are the best parents anyone could have wished for.  You truly helped James live his life to the fullest. 

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Our most sincere sympathy to you, Jim and Christie. You are the greatest of all parents. Such a lovely son you have in James....a reflection of your love and your life.

Sharing some of the life lessons I learned through James's actions:
1) Live every day to the fullest.
2) Be grateful for what you have don't worry about what you don't.
3) Smile no matter what.
4) Never judge anybody.
5) Always make the best out of any situation.
6) Never give up - no matter what the odds are.

Jim & Christie you raised James to live with a wonderful attitude have a great outlook on life and be the wise man we all looked up to.  Without your amazing support he would not have defied the odds and experienced / adventured more in his short life than most would in two lifetimes.

James I will never forget some of my most memorable nights we spent eating pizza, guzzling soda, playing video games, and sharing stories.  I am grateful for these memories and the lessons you taught me - I will never forget them and try harder to live by them in your memory.

I didn't know him but anyone who was a friend to family/ extended family is a friend to me! I am sorry for his families loss and I'm sure he will b forever missed. He is in heaven and he is looking down on you. God rest his soul :)

Jim and Christie, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the days ahead. I will always remember James as a bright shining star. Ten thousand blessings to you and your extended family.
Love, Lissa

We are so sorry to hear of Jame's passing. He was a remarkable young man and such an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to have known him.

        Ilene, Larry and Nate Stevenson

James was such an amazing person.  I feel so blessed to know him. I will always remember and be inspired by his enthusiasm and joy for life.  Christie and Jim, I am so sorry for your loss.

Rest in Peace James.  Your always smiling face and sense of humor will be missed.  Prayers and hugs to Jim and Christie.

James is what is best in this world. the way he lived his life should inspire us all. I will never forget the wonderfull day we had in Aspen last year in the mountains that he loved. He will be forever missed, but always in my heart and mind...frank browning.(san diego, california

Dear Jim and Christy~
You are in our Thoughts and Prayers.
With Love and Fond Memories,
Peggy & Michael,
Paul, Jesse & Cory

I am thinking of you Jim and Christie.  James will always be remembered by those who had the great oppurtunity to know him.  He was a great friend.

James there will never be a man as great as you..You will continue to be such an inspiration to me through your strength, humility, and zest for life. I will never forget your smile and what a joy it always was to be around you. You will always be in my thoughts and when times get tough I will remember your strength. Todd was blessed and honored to have spent time with you. He speaks of you often and will always remember your kindness and will. We Love You Always.

Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time. Let us know if there is anything you need. I loved watching him grow up with my brother, Frank.

James you will be missed by all who knew you.  I think it is your fearlessness that I will miss most.  I hope that your passing will bring us all closer while we celebrate your life.  I hope to give Jim and Christy a big hug soon :)

James was truly an inspiration to us all, he was wise beyond his years and we will miss him on our treks through Colorado from California.  He was such a kind and peaceful soul and we were privileged to have known him. Thinking of you Jim and Christie with heartfelt sympathy.  

Love, Larry, Judy, Evan and Shane Mangione (Ventura, CA)

Dear Jim and Christie,
We are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed James the few times we got to spend time with him and will miss the holiday cards he always sent. We loved having him for a "neighbor" even though you all never were able to spend much time at Ladder Canyon. We will remember him with fondness and will stop at noon on Sunday to celebrate his life.

We miss you beloved Nephew. You enriched our lives so much. Your smile, your laughter, your enthusiasm for everything, (especially the outdoors) is unforgettable. How you always knew exactly where we were on the road was something only you could do. All our future trips are dedicated to you.
With Our Greatest Love,
Uncle Chris & Aunt Brenda

With Love from Muk-Tuk and Diane, James will not soon be forgotten.

I went to high school with James and will forever remember his smiling face. May he rest peacefully. We will keep his family in our prayers. Toria kuntz.

OBITUARY

James L. Browning

July 29, 1979 – October 1, 2011

Martin Mortuary

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