APPLETON — James William McBrian, 64, died March 25, 2016, in Barcelona, Spain. Jim was predeceased by his father, James William McBrian Sr.; and his fiancée, Mimi Burke. He leaves behind his mother, Anne Jane McBrian of Camden; his son, Connor James McBrian of North Carolina; his sister, Sarah McBrian and her family of Hope; and his brother, Andrew McBrian and his family of Dedham, Mass.

Jim was born in Peoria, Ill., on May 18, 1951. He graduated from The Taft School in Watertown, Conn. He received a bachelor's degree from Hampshire College and a master's degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work.

Jim successfully pursued three distinct careers over the course of his life. His early professional focus was in the nonprofit sector, serving individuals with developmental disabilities in both Massachusetts and Maine. In the early 1980s he served as director for Camden's Coastal Workshop, where he was instrumental in creating a social entrepreneurship venture focused on bottle redemption, which endures today. In 1985 he entered the publishing business as business manager of CCI, Computer Communications Inc., eventually moving to New Hampshire as senior vice president of IDG Peterborough. In 1993 Jim moved with his family to Des Moines, Iowa, where he worked as a financial advisor, first with Merrill Lynch, achieving Merrill Lynch President's Circle status, and later with Aspen Financial, until his retirement in 2012. Whatever profession he pursued, Jim carried it out with charisma, integrity and determination.

A dedicated volunteer, Jim served many years on the board of the Girl Scout Council of Des Moines, as well as on the hospice board. After his retirement, he was a board member of the Five Town Community School District, working on the finance committee and personnel negotiations. As an organizational leader, Jim was always well-prepared, willing to ask hard questions and passionate about protecting the interests of vulnerable groups. He was a friend to all, non-judgmental, fair, kind and respectful, valuing inherently the contributions others make to the functioning of an organization or community. He had a quick wit, great sense of humor and ready laugh. He was a kind, loving and gentle soul, who was much beloved by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 25, and will be announced with more details.

If desired, memorial gifts in his memory may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa or to the Appleton High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 131, Union, ME 04862.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home.