James Dale Brownfield (Brownie)

James Dale Brownfield (Brownie) passed away July 28, 2022 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE surrounded by his loving family at the age of 72.  James was born June 9, 1950 in Lexington, NE.  He graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1968.  He then enrolled at Oklahoma State University. During his time in Stillwater, he was a 3 time letterman as a member of OSU golf. He was united in marriage to Gayle (Coit) from Oklahoma City on January 4, 1972 and after graduating with an Agri-Business degree, the couple returned to Cozad to join the family farm until retirement in 2020.

Brownie learned the game of golf from his grandfather, Tom, and his father Dale and played many rounds with numerous friends during his life.  Although he had many accomplishments in golf, he was most proud of the great friendships he made along the way.  Brownie was known for showing up to golf tournaments wearing a blue cutoff shirt, cutoff jean shorts (added suspenders in later years) and finding much success.  Although he was very competitive, he remained very humble and gracious during his golf career and felt it was best to keep quiet and let the golf game speak for itself.

He was a longtime member of the Cozad United Methodist Church, Cozad Ditch Company, Cozad Country Club, Central Nebraska Golf Association, Cozad Elks Lodge #2250, Rural District 19 School Board, and gave many golf lessons including the Cozad High School girls golf team. During retirement Brownie enjoyed his extra time with five grandchildren. He was always their biggest fan while they competed in numerous sporting events and most recently went to Estes Park with his two youngest.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Beverly (Hays) Brownfield and infant sister DeAnne.  He is survived by his devoted wife Gayle of Cozad, sister Lynn Townsend of Arlington, TX, daughter Jamie Royal and son-in-law Ben Royal and their three children, Madelyn, Hayden, and Hunter from York, NE, son Michael Brownfield and his two children, Jameson and Blayke of Elkhorn, NE, sister-in-law Karen Griffeth of Edmond, OK, brother-in-law Harlan (Susan) Coit of Naples, FL, brother-in-law Dr. Bert Briscoe of Edmond, OK, and several nieces and nephews.   

Memorials are suggested to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Cozad Country Club. Brownie's wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Gahn officiating. There will be no visitation or book signing.