R. James Brownback Jr.

Brownback, R. James, Jr. 80, formerly of Edina, passed away November 9 in Syracuse, New York after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wife Susan M. Brownback in 2007. After serving his country as an Army captain in the Korean War, "Jim" enjoyed a decades-long career in market research, which included several years at Pillsbury. As a devoted animal lover, Jim volunteered at the Humane Society. Since his youth, he had a passion for opera, and he served as a volunteer at both the Minnesota and Syracuse Opera companies. He will be remembered by family and friends for his wit, his love of gourmet food, and his commitment to causes he believed in. Jim is survived by a daughter, Lydia Brownback, of Wheaton, Illinois, his son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Lisa Brownback, of Cazenovia, New York, and four grandsons. Donations in memory of Jim may be sent to the Minnesota Opera Company.