James "Brownie" Brown

James E. Brown, always known as Brownie, of Trumansburg, NY, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2026, after a fierce and courageous battle with cancer.

Brownie was born in Ithaca, NY, on July 4, 1948, to the late Anne Marie (Kapoli) and Lynn Brown. Brownie started working at local farms as a child and continued with his love of farming throughout his life. He married Rita Whitaker in 1972, and they had just celebrated 54 years of marriage. In 1996, he started selling sweet corn at a roadside stand to help support his wife's dream of becoming a nurse. What started as just supplemental income grew into a full-fledged successful farm market and greenhouse—Brownie's Produce Market in Jacksonville, NY. Brownie took great pride in his unwavering work ethic and providing quality produce to his customers. When he wasn't working, he was an avid sportsman with a passion for deer hunting.

Brownie is survived by his devoted wife Rita and their two children, Sheila (Erik) Balcome and Jeffrey Brown (Heidi Sherwood), all of Trumansburg; a grandson, Dylan Balcome of Colorado; sister, Marilyn Brown of Candor; sisters-in-law Bonnie Rappleye (Ron Bower) and Yvonne (Dan) Wright; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the American Legion Post 770, 4431 East Seneca Road, Trumansburg. Please bring along a written memory you have of Brownie so the family can read them privately and reminisce at home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Brownie's memory to T-burg Takes on Pediatric Cancer Foundation, PO Box 555, Trumansburg, NY 14886; the TCSD Trap Team, PO Box 70, Trumansburg, NY 14886; or Hospicare of Ithaca, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, New York 14850.