James Growney

U.S. Army veteran, college graduate, successful businessman, family man, philanthropist: These terms describe the life and career of James P. Growney. After serving for several years in the United States Army as a pharmacist, he decided to attend college to pursue another career path. He chose St. John Fisher University, earning a degree in business management in 1966. Jim’s education and experience at Fisher provided the foundation for him to build a successful computer software company.

He has expressed his gratitude to Fisher both monetarily and with his dedicated service to the board of trustees, to which he was named in 1990—helping to bring the late Katherine Keough to the Fisher presidency. Impressed with Katherine’s drive to improve the University, he accepted her offer to chair the capital campaign and was the first to give a gift in support of the initiative. Growney Stadium was the result.

More recently, Jim has made another substantial gift—a planned gift. With the guidance of his attorney and financial advisors, Jim has irrevocably arranged for the sale of his second home in Florida after his death with the proceeds supporting enhancements to the Growney Stadium facility. During his lifetime, however, Jim and his family will enjoy full rights to occupy the Florida property.

By making his first gift to us during his lifetime, Jim was able to enjoy seeing that gift at work. By making a planned gift to St. John Fisher now, he can rest assured that his legacy of support will continue even after he is gone. To others, Jim offers this advice: “Success will follow if you observe these fundamental principles: 1. Character counts; 2. Envy no one; 3. Family and friends are life’s golden rewards; 4. Avoid debt; and 5. If you are lucky, you will get old!”