Obituary of James Gordon Brewer

WARRENSBURG: On July 11, 2023 heaven got a little fuller and a lot funnier, when James "Jim" Brewer died at age 69.  Known for his big personality, quick wit, and dirty jokes, Jim entertained family and friends over the years everywhere he went, spending most of his life on the east end of Long Island and in the Lake George region.

Jim was born alongside his twin brother on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1954 to  the late Chauncey and Gertrude (Ingraham) Brewer of Garden City, New York. He told stories of trouble-making with his siblings and friends in Garden City; antics that ultimately landed him on Shelter Island to complete high school in 1973.  He came to love Shelter Island and would regularly return there throughout his life to enjoy the water and spend time with family, especially his youngest brother Paul, his brother Jeff, and his sister Jane (Brewer) Gereghty. Jim is also survived by his oldest brother Billy and is pre-deceased by his sister Carol (Brewer) Adams.

Jim married Mary (Farrell) Brewer, with whom he raised three children - Jenny, Chris, and Emilee - together in Southold, New York.  He adored his kids and referred to them regularly as his greatest accomplishment.

Jim ran a painting contracting company and a real estate business under his namesake.  After having influenced the color scheme or participating in the sale of many homes on the North Fork of Long Island and after the kids went off to college, moved up to Warrensburg, New York to enjoy the Lake George area and where he would continue to run his painting contractor business through to his retirement.  Jim and Mary divorced in 2011, and Jim remained in Warrensburg surrounded by close friends, listening to music, and mixing it up with the community on Main Street.

The role he took most seriously was that of grandfather. "PapaJim" was a steady supplier of good times with his most favorite audience: granddaughters Vivianne, Alexis, and Lily.

He was a big presence in the lives of all who knew him.  He was creative, foul-mouthed, and gut-bustingly funny.  When he would tell a story and refer to himself as Jimmy, you knew the story ranged from heavily embellished to fully fabricated. Always looking for the laugh regardless of the situation, and always successful in his pursuit.

Jim enjoyed the annual Jazz on the Lake festivals. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to lakegeorgearts.org/support-jazz in his name.

Jim’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Kathy Carter, Sharon, Fran and Rich and Becky Larkin for their friendship and incredible kindness. 

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guestbook.