ForeverMissed
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James Edward Brewer II passed away peacefully on Saturday night March 28, 2020 while at home with his friends and incredible caregivers, Deb and Bruce Cheney of Laconia, NH.

Born on November 16, 1931 in Port Chester, New York to Orlando Swift Brewer and Margaret Doran Brewer, he had passed his 88th birthday and had remained in amazingly good health throughout his long life.

James was a graduate of Deerfield Academy ‘50, Hobart College ‘54, The University of Wisconsin Law School ‘58 and The Bread Loaf School of English ’66. He met Joan Bissonnette while recovering from Polio, she was his Physical Therapist, and they married in 1957. They had three children, twin sons Scott and Duncan born in 1959 and a daughter Katherine born in 1961.

Jim had an illustrious career as a Private School Educator fulfilling many and varied roles including those of Teacher, Coach, Dorm Parent, Advisor, Assistant Headmaster, Headmaster, Director of College Counseling, Holderness School Today founder and Publicist, Chair of the English department, and overall Mentor.He began his teaching career at Holderness School in Holderness, New Hampshire in 1960 and taught there for 9 years before moving on to become the Headmaster at The Barlow School in Amenia, New York in 1969.In 1973 he took a position at Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter New Hampshire where he taught English and coached Men’s JV Football and ran the Men’s Varsity Lacrosse program.In 1978, he chose to return to his beloved Holderness School where he remained until his retirement in 1995. He became one of those icons who inspired the Van Otterloo-Henderson-Brewer Chair program for the professional development of faculty.

His bout with Polio left him needing to use braces and crutches for the remainder of his life, but anyone who saw him in action knew that those challenges didn’t slow him down one bit. He excelled in his professional life and also: camped across the country on his honeymoon; drove a car; used a chain saw; coached both Football and Lacrosse (with an astounding 175-56-3 overall record, twelve league championships and was twice voted Northern New England Coach-of-the- Year); paced the sidelines on game days; went fishing in a canoe; went down and up the steep hill at his summer house in the Adirondacks so he could go for his morning swim and had a determined attitude to not live his life as if his physical challenges were either a handicap or a disability. He was an amazing role model of how to persevere and stay positive in the face of adversity.

He was also an avid nature lover and was always delighted by the antics of the creatures that surrounded him be they the large bear who tore down the birdfeeder on numerous occasions or the scrawny little hummingbird whom he hoped would return each spring or the turkeys who flocked in the fields at the farm where he spent his last days. He shared his experiences by being a grand storyteller and entertained audiences at school assemblies, alumni gatherings, The corner House Inn, The Pasquaney Inn and at Taylor Home with his “Nature Notebook” stories and anecdotes.

He is survived by his son Scott Brewer of Spokane Washington, his daughter Kate Brewer of Sandwich NH, his 8 grandchildren Kyle, Tallee, Megan, Tyler, Austin, Mackenzie, Guthrie and Dugan and his 7 great grandchildren.He was predeceased by his son, Duncan Brewer of Bend, Oregon; his ex-wife and lifelong friend, Joan Brewer of Plymouth, NH and his long-term partner, Candy Thun of Rumney, NH.

note: if you click or tap on the photos in the Gallery, they will come on the screen larger and you can view the captions.


May 8, 2020
May 8, 2020
Mr. Brewer was so much to me and my 1986 Holderness classmates. As my freshman English teacher (think I’m still in the doghouse for homework purposes) to football coach, to sponsoring our senior project (frog pond restoration project), memories are deep. He even let me drive his cart once, I think. He was my introduction to the Harkness method (yes - you fellow educators will understand) . I (And my independent school career) owe lots to Jim Brewer). Best wishes to the Brewer family.
April 24, 2020
April 24, 2020
Jim was the head varsity lacrosse coach at Exeter when I arrived in 1977 as a young new math instructor. I was his assistant coach during the 1978 season, and we became lifelong friends and colleagues despite his decision to leave Exeter and return to Holderness after the 1978 school year. I became the head varsity coach for the next 36 years, and almost every year I had a reunion with Jim when Exeter played Holderness in lacrosse. Long after he retired, Jim found a way to come to the annual Exeter vs Holderness game, even if it was played at Exeter. I learned a lot of lacrosse in my one season with Jim, but I learned a lot more about how to coach and treat players with respect and care. He impacted many people at Exeter in a relatively short time, so I can only imagine the incredible impact he had at Holderness. They just don’t come any better than Jim, and I feel fortunate to have known him all these years. Rest In Peace.
April 23, 2020
April 23, 2020
Jim was my lacrosse coach, English teacher, and dorm parent at Holderness School. His humor, concern, discipline and caring impressed upon me served me well in school and in life. Blessings to Scott and Kate.
April 19, 2020
April 19, 2020
Dear Brewer Family,
I only became acquainted with Jim (and Chase) about a year before he left the Taylor Community and got to know him a little while joining him in the monthly singalongs that he organized for the residents in the memory care unit here at Taylor. He also provided poetry readings for them. It was amazing how much the residents in memory care loved and actively participated in these visits and I developed a deep respect for him for his initiative, creativity, sense of humor, and energy while he had to deal with his very serious handicap. After reading his obituary and the tributes shared by others, I can see that these very caring and compassionate actions were just a continuation of a selfless life that influenced so many people in profound and positive ways. We have continued the monthly singalongs and I feel honored to continue his legacy ministering to those in memory care here. Please accept my condolences and those of the other Taylor residents that had the privilege of knowing him.
April 19, 2020
April 19, 2020
To Jim's family, I can say only that having crossed paths with Jim has made my life better. I may have known him for less time than almost anyone writing because I met him when he arrived at Taylor Community. At that time, I was directing the chorus and he joined immediately. What a lucky day for all of us!!!!!!!
Then, my husband got introduced to Jim, also, when we had a gathering at our house and they bonded right away with a mutual love of nature. We are both saddened that he is gone but, at the same time, so grateful to have known him.
Our best love to all of you,
Jane and Peter Ellis
Gilford, NH
April 19, 2020
April 19, 2020
Dear Kate:

Unlike everyone else who has written on this page, I did not know your father, nor did I have the privilege of meeting him, other than possibly shaking hands with him after a game. He left Exeter just before I arrived; at the same time, it seemed as though he was still at PEA, I heard so many great things about him that year from his former students and players. "Mr. Brewer" was held in a special reverence; the kind of teacher and mentor you only hope your kids might have. This became especially apparent when I went out for lacrosse that spring, at times it was as though he was still on the field, such was the love and respect his players had for him. I learned about all that he had overcome, and what a remarkable teacher, coach, and man he was. That year was a special time of life for me, and I am grateful that I was able to share in his memories.  
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
Sixty years ago, I first met Jim in freshman English where he taught with iron discipline but always a ready smile. As a Junior I was fortunate to have him for dorm master in Rathbun. He was one of the most alive and energetic faculty at the School and I always thought of him as "one of the most unforgettable characters" I would ever know. If ever I hit a rough patch, and I hit many, I could think of Jim and all he overcame and feel strengthened by it.
Then ten years ago during a theatrical performance at the Taylor Community by my wife Judy, Jim rolled into my life after 50 years. From that point forward, we met regularly for tea and conversation about books, about family (including Pogo & Chase) and about life. The saying "making lemonade out of lemons" perfectly describes his life and yet so much more. Jim's was a big man in many, many ways-- especially his heart.
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Jim Brewer (Mr. Brewer) was my English teacher my lower year at Exeter in 1974. As was the Exeter custom, we sat around a Harkness table with Mr. Brewer in charge of leading our discussion and of keeping us engaged and participating. He was great at that, in part because he was an intense watcher and listener. We all felt like he knew us, pretty much knew what we were thinking, and could call on us at any time. He was one of the sharpest teachers I had at Exeter.

Imagine our surprise when one day we walked into class (on time), one at a time, to find that Mr. Brewer was giving us a "test" we didn't even know was coming. Even more surprising was when we tried to ask what was going on, Mr. Brewer and the people already there just told us to hush and sit down and take the test. Feeling scared and having no idea what was being tested, we sat down in front of our blue booklets, opened them up, and realized they were empty and blank. Then the light bulb came on. "I get it, joke! Look busy so we can play the joke on the next student who walks in."

Another class, Mr. Brewer read us a medieval poem called "Sumer Is Icumen In", also known as "Cuckoo Song". A pretty unremarkable poem about a cuckoo who sings a lot. While we were puzzling over what he said (it was in medieval English) and what it might mean, Mr. Brewer began reading another version, "Winter Is Icumen In" or "Ancient Music" by Ezra Pound, which is a parody of "Cuckoo Song". We had no idea where he was coming from, but we knew we were hearing parody. Should we laugh? Is he being funny? When he got to the lines,

Skiddeth bus and sloppeth us,
An ague hath my ham.
Freezeth river, turneth liver,
Damn you, sing. Goddamm!

We were all howling. One it was funny. But coming from the sharp witted Mr. Brewer (who was reading parody as somberly as he had read "Sing Cuckoo") on a cold NH morning in the usually much more serious Exeter classroom, it was explosively funny.

Thanks so much Mr. Brewer for teaching us so well, and for making class an exciting, fun, and fascinating place.
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020


Dearest Kate and Scott, I am so moved by this beautiful tribute and lovely pictures of your whole family. Thank you for sharing this with us. You have all been in my heart since my time at The Barlow School, 1970-1974. Your parents were the most fantastic people, and I grew to love and respect them completely as my time at the school unfolded. Jim was always so reasonable, intelligent, and fair with his wicked sense of humor keeping him from being too predictable. Joan was just outstanding in every way and led all of us to be better by her quiet example of true grace and power. You kids were such a big part of our Barlow family too. I thank you both for sharing them with me and the whole community. Jim welcomed us to Barlow with an outward bound-type orientation program when my class arrived on campus, and it was the first time in my life an adult had used physical tasks to interact with me. It worked so well. He taught me so much about trust with the blindfolded walk and about power on the high climb. He had me on day one and never lost me again. I really loved him.
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
It was hard to consider writing something to encapsulate James—he was quite the literate individual, to put it mildly, and crafting something worthy of his legacy is daunting. However, he was a beloved grandfather among all his other accomplishments and that was how I knew him best.
My last conversation with G’Pa was spent telling him about my fiancé (now my husband) and listening to his retelling of the Rose Bowl. Both my mom and I had missed the game but he gave a spectacular verbal highlight reel from his bed. His storytelling was a magical part of growing up, his deep booming voice naturally lending itself to characters and dramatization. His delivery of any experience, from daily walks with his dog, close college football games, or my brother’s livestreamed lacrosse, was more captivating than any other.
As a little girl, spending time at his farm was like exploring a museum. He carefully arranged art work, antique trinkets, and musty old books throughout the maze of rooms. The river bank at the edge of his lawn held treasures yet to be unearthed, old glass bottles, broken bits of machinery and toys, telling a story of past Rumney residents. Us kids learned to us his “grabber” to reach things on the counter, or walk carefully behind his chair on a stroll through the gardens while he pointed out Candy’s array of flowers or a butterfly species. I bet the first pile of leaves I ever raked happened there, my mom, Kate, getting us out to help on the grounds and teaching us the invaluable lesson of doing something for others.
I don’t think he ever stopped being a teacher and we all benefited from his instruction, however gruff. He paid attention to the things that mattered to each of us—my writing or artwork however elementary, my brothers’ athleticism and voracious reading, our love of animals and each other.
I feel fortunate to have known his as my grandfather and absorbed these experiences simply because he was a part of my young life. I still edit my writing as though he is reading it—cutting extraneous words and using useful descriptors. I will support my brother’s games like each of my grandparents did and hopefully the stories he told will continue in the oral tradition. Fascination with the natural world, following one’s curiosity, and learning something to the point of being able to teach it to another will be his legacy in my life. I shared him with so many others—his students and colleagues, our family, and the friends he made wherever he went. I know we all have a little something that James taught us.
April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020

The lines between ‘teacher’ and ‘coach’ were vague, and Mr Brewer’s skill in each role was based on shared principles. The craft of being an effective teacher and an inspiring coach were constructed from the same materials, and I was lucky enough to experience both his classroom and his playing field.

I have many antidotes worth sharing. But there is one that wraps everything up neatly. Most alumni know of the hill that runs alongside the Chapel and through a thin wood. And anyone who played lacrosse remembers the end-of-practice sprint that we had to do up its steep incline. The purpose didn’t lie in the efforts required to reach the top first, but instead in the fact that Mr Brewer would either be waiting at the top…..or not. And there was never any indication or decipherable pattern to signal either outcome. So we simply had to sprint as hard as we could; not to satisfy his expectations of us…..but to satisfy our own.

For me, this was Mr Brewer’s greatest inspiration, both in the classroom and on the field; a motivation to achieve and perform that was not reliant on anyone but our self.

There are few gifts as valuable. And even fewer legacies as perpetuating. 
I will never forget this Great Man.

April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020
What a great man and mentor and example of a life fully lived in-spite of obvious obstacles. He was my football and lacrosse coach, and english teacher as well, and I can hardly think of my time at Exeter without fond memories of him. He always pushed me and encouraged me and believed in me. What more could you ask of a coach and teacher? He was so easy to understand and relate to. He was so easy to respect and admire. I will miss his presence as I have all these years since graduating from Exeter, but I have my memories of him and they will go on forever. Rest in peace Jim. Yours was a life of service and meaning to those who knew you.
April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to the Brewer family. I only knew "Mr. Brewer" as a teacher and--through friends--as a coach during my years as a student at Exeter. His decency and intellect were apparent to everyone. I have often thought of him in later years as a paragon of what a teacher should be - high standards, infinite dedication, and a palpable compassion for his students. Mr. Brewer inspired me with his delight in a story told well, as well as showing by example that erudition wasn't about putting on airs. I am forever in debt to him for teaching me that writing clearly can only come from thinking clearly. 
April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020
What a wonderful teacher, coach and role model Jim Brewer was . . . What I remember most about him was his warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in his students' growth and development. I will never forget the one-on-one lacrosse coaching that he seemed to weave in to daily life . . . He'd share tips on throwing, catching, and shooting from the side lines but also on the way to Weld Hall, before or after English class (!) or whenever the opportunity presented itself. Always positive, ever encouraging, I can only imagine the magnitude of impact he had on so many young people's lives over the course of his career. Rest in peace, Mr. Brewer. We will never forget you.
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
I think it was the spring of 1960 when it seemed like everybody was passing lacrosse balls. Jim was the first to help me understand that I really liked poetry. He was a great teacher. He was also an inspiration who never let his polio get in his way whether it was driving a car or coaching lacrosse.
April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020
I arrived at Holderness School the Fall of 1979. At the start of the school year, a first year student like myself, got the typical run down on the faculty while hanging out with returning classmates. The comments on Mr. Brewer were consistent, one of the hardest/smartest teachers at the school. My first intro with Mr. Brewer was on the path from Bartsch leading back to campus after the first day or two of classes. I was heading to Weld post football practice...and it was just Mr. Brewer and I on the pathway. I was nervous...simply based on his reputation that had been shared with me during camp. He walked along side me and said, "Mr. Cavanaugh, I am hearing good things about you from your coaches. Keep up the good work." I was blown away. Well, three years later my Senior year...nothing changed. Jim would frequently stop my classmates and I after games and either congratulate us on a game well played...or offer some encouraging comments/observations about the game if we ended up on the short end of the score. Always loved the way he showed such great interest in us and our endeavors in/out of the classroom. I was blessed to have Jim as my Senior English teacher. Yes he was hard/smart...and blessed to have had his guidance during my time there.  Mark Cavanaugh '82

"He has fought the good fight. He has finished the race. He has kept the faith. Now a merited crown awaits him." - St. Paul
April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020
Oh, Kate and Scott, my deepest condolences. I was at Barlow 1970-1973, and your Dad was the most amazing headmaster: this crewcut conservative-seeming guy who nevertheless allowed all of us crazy kids at this liberal barding school at the crest of the 60s just enough personal liberty to not feel constrained... yet somehow -- how?? how did he do it? -- he exercised a quiet moral authority that you didn't want to cross. When you heard that click...slide, click...slide of his approach, you knew Accountability was on its way. I have such fond memories of you and your Mom... and of you guys (and that little dog, Sesame!)... I remember he once read Chaucer to us -- UNcensored: hearing Middle English for the first time in all its pungent glory (he was a great reader-aloud and story-teller) - wow, what an experience! We exchanged emails 3 years ago and he seemed... undimmed. I am so grateful he was part of my life at a time when my life could have gone sideways. I know there are a lot of former Barlow students mourning his passing, today.
April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020
Written for Jim Brewer by Norm Walker:


Jim was an outstanding teacher, advisor, coach, department head, headmaster.

But it doesn’t end there: Jim was also a master photographer, a fine writer and poet, a gourmet cook, a student of nature in the same league as an Audubon or a Lewis Thomas, and a storyteller without equal. His genius as a bard was a result from his imposing stature; the powerful features of his Heminwayesque face; his gently sardonic sense of humor; his vast knowledge and abiding love of animals; his deep well-modulated voice; and his subtle use of pause and timing when he was on stage. In fact, even his entrances were worthy of note – whenever he moved to a podium, his massive shoulders and powerful arms working the crutches, there was a breathless, palpable pause in the audience. Then his voice filled the room.

...

Thousands of years after Homer, Jim Brewer reminded us that the well told story may still be the best vehicle for conveying knowledge and truth.

Norm Walker


(The above was written in his book "Teachers" when Mr. Brewer was still actively teaching. I only modified it as I believe he would to reflect Jim's passing.)
--

Below is the poem he wrote in the same book to honor Jim. My dad wrote many poems for great teachers in his life on their retirement or passing. I believe he wrote this for both.



The Monarch

The summer silence in lower schoolhouse
Can cause bad dreams:

An engine turns over under pines
And muffled, arcs round Carpenter,
Swings up the walk, then growls
Beneath the schoolhouse steps…

Silence…

Upstairs,
Steel-booted legs and crutches
Clump-shuffle
Down the corridor and back;
A door swings shut…

Silence…

In some upper room a deep, full voice
Stirs the minds of children –
Nick Adams lives;
Active verbs and crisp nouns
Crackle on paper (or else!);
Grammar and syntax count.

Silence…Illusion.

Room 25 is empty now;
In early morning light
The glow of fresh waxed tile
Can cause dull pain.
Outside, soft rain occurs.

Blue Herbert’s gone;
We need the tarp – the wet Schoolhouse walk
Is darker now than yesterday.

   *** 

Tomorrow,
My feet will move towards Livermore;
In that backyard I’ll stand
And watch Canada geese
Swim up out of fog, heading north.

At noon on a sun-drenched Quad
I will await the monarch’s return;
I’ll watch its sharp-cut-colors enfold the sky,
Its graceful fractal flutter
Somehow defining the very air we breathe.

In evening light I’ll watch
The peregrine in flight,
Circling, gliding;
Now climbing above the clouds,
Now drifting like some large leaf alive
Across the land,
The magic of legend ever reminding us
That death is but a dream.

Norm Walker, 1996



April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020
How does one begin? Jim Brewer was larger than life. His imposing figure would come down the main floor in Langdell Hall at Exeter, and he would bellow out your name as if he were the main character in Jack and the Giant Bean Stalk. Although I was not in his dorm, I had a chance to watch my stepbrother routinely skulk back to his dorm room from the butt-room/man-cave when he heard Mr. Brewer, Dorm Master of the Domain, clicking rhythmically down the hallway many floors above searching for "Bowditch."
For many of us four-year boys, Jim Brewer was, and will always be, Coach Brewer. He went out of his way to welcome us preps (9th grader) and make sure that incoming lacrosse players we getting excited about the forthcoming spring lacrosse season, even in the dead of winter. As a D-pole, I had the "pleasure" of getting whacked on the helmet a few times or having my stick knocked out of my hands, if I were not paying attention to his coaching instructions and play making on the field. His handicap was his best disguise, as he could easily hunt us Lowers down on the field and make sure that we were applying full pressure on the Upper classmen.  He defined the term in loco parentis as coach, mentor, and father figure for a number of student athletes who would have gotten bounced out of school were it not for his not-so-gentle chiding to forget about the partying and focus on the game.
Big Jim Brewer will remain near and dear to many of us who were on the field with him or in his class. He will be sorely missed by his students, friends and family.
NB: Kate Brewer, I will note, was one of only six four-year girls during freshman year. I would be remiss if I did not recognize Kate as bringing some humanity and cheer to some of us preps, even if she did kick our butts in Prep Spaz.
ALS
April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020
Jim had a huge impact on my life. I am a writer (12 books so far) and educator, and much of what I learned about writing, I learned from him. He also recruited me to be editor of the Holderness Bull, which I never would have become otherwise, and it was a fantastic authentic learning experience that led to my becoming editor of the Harvard freshman magazine. Without Jim's influence, I would not have been able to be as effective in my career. Also, the way he led his life in the face of adversity was truly impressive and inspiring. I am deeply grateful for his influence on my life.
April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020
I was class of 1960, so this was just about when Jim arrived with his young family; I believe maybe a year earlier. I definitely would have joined & played lacrosse ,if it was a team sport when I was there. Jim was the face of Holderness, always with a smile and so friendly. I clearly remember where they lived on campus. I can see him now and know that he will always be with you, in your hearts.
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
Mr. B,

So many amazing memories of playing lacrosse for you and having you as my English teacher. Of all the coaches I've had over the years, you were one of, if not the most, influential. I am so thankful our paths crossed at Holderness. I remember driving your van (maybe after a game) and I thought it was the coolest thing! I am glad I was able to see you again at New Hampton School attending your grandkids games. Thank you for the gift you gave so many of us with your passion for teaching and coaching. Rest easy coach.

Nici
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
Jim was a great teacher and coach, and known by many for his skills in those areas. Looking back my favorite thing about him is that he had us running for two hours during lacrosse practice. It was effortless and easy. Where other coaches reminded us of how hard drills were and how much rigor was going into it, Jim made it lyrical, veering into joy.
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
Dear Brewer family-
I am sorry for your loss first and foremost. I am glad it appeared to be a peaceful passing at the farm. Mr. Brewer was an impactful person in a positive sense for so many of his students and, obviously, many others as well.
Mr. Brewer was my senior english teacher while at Holderness in the early 80s. I was scared to death, but he cajoled some good things out. 
I wanted to share a story Mark Cavanaugh recently sent (we are still a group of 10 or so friends from Holderness that remain close to this day) as I think it sheds light on Mr. Brewers impact to us all as young folks:

This is the story of Big Timmy:
The Tale of Big Timmy (to set the record straight) –
Big Timmy was actually a character in one of my papers I wrote for Mr. Brewers English class. We were reading the book, Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson. We had to write a paper in similar style as Anderson around Small-Town life. If memory serves me correct, Ben Lewis poured hours into his paper weeks leading up to the due date. I tackled the paper either the night before or at best two days before the due date. Big Timmy was my main character (and title to the story). Former college football player who came upon hard times and lived on the outskirts of the town. The townsfolk made fun of him as he was very quiet and borderline homeless. One day he saved the day by resuing kids near the towns train tracks. From that day forward he was beloved by the town, etc… Well I ended my story with something along the lines of…”as the townsfolk carried Big Timmy on their shoulders through mainstreet…a tear rolled down his cheek….”

Mr. Brewer’s comments (and red ink) were numerous…but he ended it with, “You do not have to end all of your papers with someone having a tear rolling down their cheek.” Guess I seemed to always have a dramatic ending in my various papers, thinking it would appeal to someone’s emotional state and get me a better grade.

Ben and I both received the rubber stamp C+/B-…Ben was pissed as he knew I just winged it the night or two before. What Ben failed to do was have his main character cry at the end of his paper!

We are all grateful that we had the chance to know Mr. B. Please know that your family is in all our hearts and prayers, but I imagine Mr. B. is already telling a story where he is....





April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a very integral part of our lives at Holderness in the 60’s. My prayers and blessing are with his family and friends.
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
Condolences to the family. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to take an English class from Mr. Brewer. One of the great ones.
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
I came to Holderness School tasked with, among other things, taking over Holderness School Today, the alumni publication Jim had founded. This was delicate, because Jim was still teaching, and it's hard to see someone else suddenly occupy something you built yourself and start to move things around. But Jim could hardly have been more gracious in teaching me the rudiments -- in those pre-digital days -- of layout and paste-up, in coaching me on the gentle arts of extracting on-deadline articles from hard-pressed faculty members.

And he kept on writing "Something In Comment," his column of personal reflections on the life and history of the school, for as long as he remained on the faculty. These reflected not only JIm's powers of observation and his literary craftsmanship, but also his warmth, empathy, and a sense of humor that once recognized and forgave human folly. These are qualities, also, that made him such a fine oral storyteller, whether coaxing laughs from the annals of school history at each alumni reunion, or out in libraries and restaurants on the professional storytelling circuit.

I'll always be grateful, as well, for his skill and generosity as an editor. He read my first book and taught it in his English class. Then he volunteered to read the manuscript pages of my next book as they were being produced, to copy edit them, and offer editorial feedback. His copy editing was spotless, his feedback brilliant, and he refused even a farthing in payment for his work. He edited the manuscript pages of that book, and then the two following. All three of those books are better written than they would have been with just me on the job.

He was wise, he was funny, he was kind, he was brilliant -- he was a wonderful friend and a very great man. I'll miss him every day.
April 10, 2020
April 10, 2020
I knew Jim Brewer as my dearest friend's father, my English teacher, and my Exeter boyfriend's lacrosse coach. From Exeter to Holderness, New Hampton to Rumney and a little bit of Laconia, the man was intensely literate, deeply intelligent, proud, hard-driving with high standards, and not just a little intimidating. His voice was commanding and then lyrical. When he'd read aloud in class, it was impossible not to "see" the setting and the characters. He stood tall with that huge barrel chest and will of steel. He was not going to blink in the face of the four flights he had to climb up with his crutches to get to his classroom or the 4th floor dorm duty, or the constant standing as he coached on the sidelines.

The dogs, the birds, the books, the gardens were always there before and after retirement. I can picture him now in his study in Rumney, looking out at the field and spying the activity outside. Somehow I recall hearty meals and only a small bit of political talk when I was in public service.

When he founded the Holderness girls' lacrosse team and coached it, I was horrified. How was the Hobart lacrosse player and fierce boys' lacrosse coach going to relate to girls and get the best out of them when he'd never encouraged his extraordinarily athletic daughter to play his game. I couldn't imagine him enjoying the women's game I will always love best. Yet I heard he succeeded well there too.

I often felt awkward around Jim, but what sticks in my mind is that brilliant smile, quick wit, and lilting laugh. May he rest in peace having lived a rich, full life of literature, lacrosse, and learning.

May Kate, Scott, and Jim and Joan’s grandchildren remember Jim’s life force and be glad to have had him for so long. Peace be with you all.

As an addendum, I tip my hat to my sistah Kate who has raised three remarkable young people as a single mom living off grid in rural NH while being the sole family caregiver for her mother and father. She too is a hardy soul who called and raised her father's example of independence, grit, and the ability to see the light while the sky seems dark.

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Recent Tributes
May 8, 2020
May 8, 2020
Mr. Brewer was so much to me and my 1986 Holderness classmates. As my freshman English teacher (think I’m still in the doghouse for homework purposes) to football coach, to sponsoring our senior project (frog pond restoration project), memories are deep. He even let me drive his cart once, I think. He was my introduction to the Harkness method (yes - you fellow educators will understand) . I (And my independent school career) owe lots to Jim Brewer). Best wishes to the Brewer family.
April 24, 2020
April 24, 2020
Jim was the head varsity lacrosse coach at Exeter when I arrived in 1977 as a young new math instructor. I was his assistant coach during the 1978 season, and we became lifelong friends and colleagues despite his decision to leave Exeter and return to Holderness after the 1978 school year. I became the head varsity coach for the next 36 years, and almost every year I had a reunion with Jim when Exeter played Holderness in lacrosse. Long after he retired, Jim found a way to come to the annual Exeter vs Holderness game, even if it was played at Exeter. I learned a lot of lacrosse in my one season with Jim, but I learned a lot more about how to coach and treat players with respect and care. He impacted many people at Exeter in a relatively short time, so I can only imagine the incredible impact he had at Holderness. They just don’t come any better than Jim, and I feel fortunate to have known him all these years. Rest In Peace.
April 23, 2020
April 23, 2020
Jim was my lacrosse coach, English teacher, and dorm parent at Holderness School. His humor, concern, discipline and caring impressed upon me served me well in school and in life. Blessings to Scott and Kate.
Recent stories
April 21, 2020
Jim was a spiritual and human hero in my life.  We shared the intimacy of our life and hearts during our personal and professional life together.  Time after time, Jim encountered hurt and disappointment and heartbreak but not once, not ever, did he complain or express self-pity.  He would always find a way to dance on the grave of this pain.  Not only dance, but work his way to humor.  Not long before he died, and he knew he was dying, on the first of my last few visits with him, as I walked into his small room and he could barely move or speak, he turned to his wonderful caretaker, Deb, and said, "Deb, didn't I ask you to screen who could visit me?"  I have always held that faith and laugher are similar (in Hebrew both words have the same root) and Jim validated that for me, once again.  I love you Jim.

Teacher and Coach

April 16, 2020
I met Mr. Brewer in 1976 as a lower (sophomore) at Exeter. I played lacrosse for him for three years. He was a combination of amiable, gruff, warm and demanding. I enjoyed those seasons and my teammates very much. He started every practice with "let's get the kinks out". I got a few hits on my helmet with his crutch. I also learned a lot and went on to love the sport and play four years in college. 
He was also my adviser for my senior independent study. For some reason, I chose writing about the pros and cons of the Equal Rights Amendment. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to have gotten to know him that way. He was funny and encouraging and we had a relationship much different than the player/coach one. 
I appreciate the role he had in my life. I am very glad we spent so much time together. I wish his family well. 

A Mentor

April 16, 2020
Jim was not only an exceptional educator and human being, but also a true role model for many of his colleagues.

A frequent visitor to his class, I saw how he masterfully shaped the level of discourse and raised the bar of the intellectual pursuits of his students. I picked up the techniques of the Harkness table, especially how Jim would shift the responsibility for the discussion to the students and slip into the background, guiding when needed with questions not answers.

His talent for story-telling - in assemblies, at Chapel, during faculty meetings - brought us insight into the lives of others and instilled in many the empathy for our fellow travelers that he modeled daily.

Jim was a lifelong learner and, as a new dean of faculty, I sought him out to discuss the ideas I had picked up from the giants of the day - Ted Sizer, Grant Wiggins, Deb Meier. We had many long discussions, often out in the yard in Rumney over a beer, about what I had learned, what he might read, and whether "it" would work at Holderness. He encouraged to find my own voice as a leader. Our conversations were much like a Harkness table - with Jim asking the probing questions that helped illuminate my thinking and my instincts. I am indebted.

And, of course, we remember with delight his sense of humor and willingness to partake in practical jokes - like those times when we would seat a new faculty member (unknowingly) in "Mr. Brewer's chair" at his first faculty meeting and watch with amusement when Jim would walk in and "scold" the newbie! Reminiscent, I'm sure, of Exeter and Deerfield and the old masters!

His was a life well lived, and he was well loved.

Jim Nourse, Holderness faculty, 1981-98.



 

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