James Francis Bruno of Ada, Michigan, age 78 passed away on Friday February 23, 2024. He was born to John Bruno and Betty (Geluso) Young on March 14, 1945, in New York, New York. Jim was the youngest of three brothers.
Jim loved going to work every day and during his free time enjoyed golf, movies and entertaining friends and family. Jim was a tool and die maker by trade. He started and lead Laser Die and Engineering, J-tec Products and most recently BruCo Products. These businesses were primarily in the plumbing and automotive industries. With the help of inventor and friend Gene Hodges, they changed the way plumbers hang pipe with the invention of the J-Hook pipe hanger, still a main stay in the plumbing industry.
Jim was one of the toughest competitors you’d find whether competing in a game of cards, playing tennis or racquetball. He loved to play golf and has been known to hustle many a competitor on the practice green in putting competitions and on the golf course itself. If there ever was a family event or holiday to be celebrated, you could count on Jim to put it together and be the best and most generous host. One of his favorite activities was his weekly Monday night poker games, which he’d plan vacations around to make sure the tradition continued. Christmas was a special time for Jim, and he hosted no less than five Christmas celebrations a year with extended friends and family. If you think Santa is generous, Jim made Santa look like an amateur.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Bruno and Betty (Geluso) Young, stepfather Clifford Young, brother John Bruno, and Aunt Lillian Gessler. He is survived by his sons Brian (Darcy) Bruno, Jeff Bruno, grandchildren Alyson (Joe) Ohlenbusch, Katelyn Bruno and Madison Bruno, great grandchildren Harris and Leslie Ohlenbusch, his stepsons Brad (Taylor) Ryder and Blake Austin, near stepdaughter Michelle Worthington and brother Tom (Michele) Bruno. He is also survived by his many nephews, nieces, and cousins. There were also many loved ones that considered him to be their second father.
Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Children’s Miracle Network. There will be a visitation at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 on March 2, 2024, from 2-4pm. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 4:30pm at BruCo Products LLC 4934 Starr ST SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. In the meantime, let’s all follow Jim’s mantra, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
One Response
The Rabideau family has such fond memories of Jim/Mr. Bruno. Whenever we would see him he always had a bright smile on his face and greeted us like we were part of the family, which we truly felt we were. His daily love and generosity for his friends and family was so real and pure.
Hugs to the Bruno family, we are thinking of you.
Love,
Johnny, Miria & Children