Died June
13, 2018
SUTTONS BAY - James Randall Brubaker “Bru”, 62,
of Suttons Bay, passed from this world on June 13, 2018 at MediLodge of
Leelanau.
Bru was born on Dec. 24, 1955 in Napoleon, Ohio,
the son of Donald and Rosemary (Fritch) Brubaker. He always complained that he didn’t get as
many gifts as everyone else on Christmas day, but, in fact, he got more, as
people overcompensated, because his birthday was on Christmas Eve.
Bru was popular in Lutheran school and high school
and ended up being the class clown in high school. He was always musical, and was in the high
school marching band, playing the trombone.
He has a loyal group of friends, many dating from
those high school days. The tales of
their antics are legendary to this day. Bru
has made great friends in every place he has lived.
After high school, he attended the University of
Cincinnati, where he joined the marching band.
He then transferred to The Ohio State University where he was accepted
into the Occupational Therapy program, where he met Sara Wetherholt and three
other friends who stuck together through the rigors of Human Anatomy, Neuro
Anatomy, and other fun courses. All of
them graduated together and were certified and licensed as Occupational
Therapists.
Bru and Sara, and two of their friends from Ohio
State, moved to Cincinnati, where they all worked at various hospitals. Bru and Sara married in 1979.
They moved to Northern Michigan in 1986, where
they have lived ever since.
Their son, James Wetherholt Brubaker “Jamie”, was
born in February of 1996.
Bru loved The Ohio State University and was a loyal Buckeye. He became interested in painting (art) in his 30’s and loved to paint and draw. He entered many art fairs and has sold many paintings. He loved Skyline Chili, sailing, music by Van Morrison, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimmy Buffett, Jim Croce, and music from the 70’s.
And he loved Jamie more than anything.
Bru had many health problems after moving
north. He was diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis in 1989 but was still able to work at Community Mental Health for a
while, where he made many friends, both staff and consumers. He also struggled with other issues, which,
combined with the MS, caused him to have to be admitted to MediLodge of
Leelanau, where he lived until his death.
His death was caused by colon cancer and MS, so it
is the family’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American
Cancer Society and to the National MS Society, or to any organization that
protects children, families, the environment, or health.
A celebration of Bru’s life will be held at the
Central United Methodist Church, 222 S. Cass St., Traverse City, MI, at 11:00
a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018.
Bru is survived by his son, Jamie; his sister, Sue
(Dave) Roznowski; and his brother, Jan (Diana) Brubaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his
beloved grandmother, Wahneta Brubaker “Grandma Bru”; other grandparents; aunts
and uncles; and many other relatives.
Please share thoughts and memories with Bru’s family below:
Thinking of Jim’s family. I’m glad I knew him. Peace and love, Susan Odgers
ReplyDeleteBru: Worked with Jim for many years at CMH. We shared a love for Van Morrison (though not for Jimmy Buffett, a friendly disagreement we discussed many times). "The moon." Bru was fascinated by the moons effects on life. Either just the two of us or with our Team we sailed together, went to conferences, and sometimes got a little crazy. Bru could be crazy, and I mean that in a fun and good way.
ReplyDeleteI felt his support and hopefully he felt mine. I have missed him over the years. He had a great heart and was a kind and gentle person. My world has been a little sadder with him not in it.
I never saw Jim without a smile in high school. He was a fun, kind and genuine person. My sympathy to his family...
ReplyDeleteI went to high school with Bru and we played in the band together. He was a great and crazy friend. I will always remember his “eternal smile.”
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family. I remember Jim as being kind and funny; he brought smiles to others. Peace and Comfort to All ..... Your Cousin Kelly (Brubaker) Haseman
ReplyDelete