James Thomas Brunner of Rumson passed away Dec. 7, 2023.
True to character, his passing was the classic Irish exit with no long difficult goodbyes. After a valiant battle with cancer, he went quickly and peacefully, sparing his family any extended suffering with his departure, his final act of love and devotion.
Jim was raised in Colts Neck and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Class of 1975. He continued his education first at Temple University and then graduated from The University of Rhode Island.
He grew up working with his family’s local construction business and eventually established his own company, CNC Construction, which developed many neighborhoods in the Colts Neck area. Jim later transitioned to a long and successful career with M&M Knopf and LKQ Corporation in the automotive parts industry.
Married in 1990, Jim lived and raised his two beautiful daughters in Rumson. They were his greatest pride and joy and he would tell you just that any chance he got. He loved spending summers at the beach with friends and family and enjoyed rooting for the Giants, but only if they won.
Jim was one of a kind; there was no one quite like him. He was generous and warm and always spoke his mind. He was always undeniably himself and will be missed for his quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor. Jim leaves behind a legacy of love; his memory will be cherished every day.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Jane and James Brunner, sister-in-law Patricia Campi Lyon and brother-in-law Charles Raines.
Jim leaves behind his wife Diane; his beloved daughters and their spouses, Ashley and Nicholas Frangipane and Emily and Joseph Brunetto; brother John Brunner; nephews Kyle and Connor; brother-in-law James Lyon; nephew Thomas; niece Sarah; sister-in-law Kasey Ordway Raines; and many loving Brunner cousins.
Given the holiday timing and the upcoming arrival of Jim’s first grandchild in January, a memorial service celebrating his life will be planned for the spring.
“Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t shorten yours with undue grief. Be not burdened with tears of sorrow, enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.” – from “Remembered Joy”
This article originally appeared in the December 21 – 29, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
