Final Salute

James (Jim) Scott Brunner Obituary

James Scott Brunner (Jim) passed peacefully on June 23, 2020 in the presence of his four sons.

Jim was born December 15, 1924 in Evanston, IL, and as a toddler moved with his family to Royal Oak, MI, where he grew up and graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1942. After high school, he matriculated at Albion college, then moved to Ann Arbor to the University of Michigan.

In November of 1943 he left college to enlist in the Navy where he served as a Seabee and in an Acorn unit during World War II. As an Electronics Technicians Mate he was responsible for the communications and RADAR technology for Navy ships.

After discharge from the Navy in 1946, he returned to Albion college where he received a BA in Math and Physics.

In June of 1948 he married the love of his life, Mari Paula Goodwin, to whom he was a devoted husband until her passing in 2012. When they married, Mari was a chemist at Upjohn Corporation in Kalamazoo. Consequently, Jim took a job as a Junior Engineer with Consumers Power Company at the BE Morrow Steam Plant in Kalamazoo. He was to remain with Consumers for 37 years, first as an Engineer, then running Power Generation Plants, and finally as an Executive and General Manager. In his work he had a passion for safety and reliability. He spearheaded company-wide programs to ensure the safety of personnel and the consistency of the electric power system.

After retiring from Consumers in 1985, Jim and Mari divided their time between their home in Jackson, MI and Jekyll Island, GA, where they enjoyed the company of a community of “snowbird” golfers from across the USA and Canada. A life-long avid golfer, Jim researched and wrote a history of golf on Jekyll Island for the Jekyll Island Authority.

A member of the Greatest Generation, Jim was committed to his family, his community and his profession. He served in many community organizations, including as President of the Grand Haven Rotary, Secretary of the Spring Lake Board of Education, member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, member of the North Ottawa Community Hospital Board and the Jackson Rotary Club. He was the first Scoutmaster of Troop 37 in Spring Lake, a position in which he served for seven years. Jim was also active in his church, where he sang in the choir, served on the Council and as advisor to the Youth. Jim was a devoted son, husband, father and grandparent. He always exemplified grace and wisdom to his sons.

Jim was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Mari; by his parents Edwin Jacob Brunner and Mary Lillian Brunner [Sharp]; his brothers Winfield and Edwin (Buck).

He is survived by his sister Ann Ripley; his four sons and daughters-in-law, James (Rosemary), John (Mary Jane), William (Karen), and Edward (Mary Alice); eleven grandchildren: Scott (Elise), Bradley (Karen), Douglas (Maranda), Nathan (Jessica), Matthew (Margaret), Laura (Andrew), Jacob (fiancé Francesca), Mari (Ian), James (Tara), Seth (Sariha), Lily; and 9 great-grandchildren: Mark, George, Hazel, Josephine, Thomas, Edwin, Felix, Ronan, Evelyn.

He will be missed.

A private family graveside service will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorials contributions in memory of Jim may be given to Boy Scouts of America, President Ford Field Service Council – Michigan Crossroads Council (michiganscouting.org) . Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.

***. Donations can be made in memory of James S. Brunner and sent to the BSA Michigan Crossroads Council, President Ford Division. The address is 3213 Walker Ave., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544. Checks can be written to ‘BSA President Ford Division’. ***

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