Local hero honoured at the Tav

FOND FAREWELL

Paul Makin

Journalist

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A stubby holder honouring James’s role at the pub. Picture: Paul Makin
It was standing room only at the Barrier Reef Tavern. Picture: Paul Makin

James ‘Jimmy’ Browne was a man who always had a smile for a friend or stranger at The Barrier Reef Tavern.

He didn’t judge you, he just served you and made your day a little brighter. Often, he was the first-person tourists would meet at the popular watering hole and it would always make a lasting impression.

Sadly, James lost his fight with cancer recently and in turn shocked many in the Douglas Shire who didn’t even know he was sick.

You see, James was never one to complain, he was a 'get it done bloke' without a complaining bone in his body.

Tavern jam packed

The Barrier Reef Tavern was standing room only yesterday afternoon as family and friends raised a glass to his memory.

The Tav’s owner Paul McMahon told Newsport “James was salt of the earth, a man who never cast judgement on anyone and will always be remembered for the contribution he made to all of our lives, it was an honour to know him”.

Another to raise a glass to James’s memory is Barry who is originally from Darwin. Barry reckons he and his wife would never have moved to Port Douglas if it wasn’t for this smiling barman.

“We started to holiday in Port about eight years ago and James was the first person we met and because he made us so welcome we decided to buy a home here and move from Darwin,” said Barry.

Brother fights back tears

Members of James family including his older brother Jeremy, who was very emotional at the microphone, told the gathered throng that his brother was selfless and always willing to help others and get to know everyone.

“James was one of 12 children,” he said.

“A social butterfly who got to meet so many people up here and always created a wonderful social environment, I mean he was always having breakfast with somebody or lunch with somebody or dinner with somebody, he was always out and about."

Jeremy also thanked the community for being there for his brother and for the roll up at the Tavern to honour his life.

Vale, James ‘Jimmy’ Browne.

Tav owner Paul McMahon serving behind the bar on the day. Picture: Paul Makin
Speakers addressing the crowd who were there to honour and celebrate James’s life. Picture: Paul Makin

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