About
James Brownson Obituary
Jim served as associate pastor at Faith Reformed Church in Traverse City, MI, taught at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, then served at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI as the James and Jean Cook Professor of New Testament and academic dean. Jim touched many lives through his teaching, his service to the Reformed Church in America, and the four books he authored. He was a tireless advocate for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the church through his book Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church's Debate on Same-Sex Relationships and his work with The Reformation Project.
Jim was a thoughtful and loving husband, father, and friend, a beloved teacher, and a wise counselor; his gentle spirit persisted even through dementia. He was deeply loved. Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn Mostrom Brownson, children, Rachel Brownson Brazier (LJ Brazier), Anna Brownson Prinz (Mark Prinz), Will Brownson (Michael Brownson), grandson, Wren Brownson Prinz, brother, Jonathan Brownson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen Brownson, and brothers Billy Brownson and David Brownson. There will be a memorial service in the spring. www.langelandsterenberg.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Michael J. Gorman
January 28, 2026
My condolences to all of Jim's family, friends, students, and colleagues. We were doctoral students together in the 1980s and remained friends through various professional activities. Grace and peace and resurrection hope to all.
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Rowland Van Es
January 25, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a great teacher and I chose him as one of my supervisors for my ThM because I knew he would push me to do my best and he did. He will be missed by all who knew him and all those he taught
Jonathan Brownson
January 24, 2026
Brother Jim was steadfast in his love for his family, for the Scriptures and for the Church. In unseen and often unsung ways, he made this world a better place. I rest in the hope that he has now found an even better place, joining my dear late wife Jeannette and a whole host of other loved ones in Heaven
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