On March 29, 2025, he was able to finally rekindle his love with Merrie Bob in heaven. James
was born to Park and Esther Bruyette on January 25, 1943 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was the
first of two siblings, Jeanne (Steve) Bailey and John (Mary) Bruyette. The story goes that during
a summer, after graduating from high school, he met the love of his life, Merrie Bob. They
married and moved to Madison to further their education and start a family. They returned to
Appleton, after having a son, Steve (Faye) Bruyette and another son, Charlie (Kim) Bruyette on
the way.
They continued to have expand their family with a third child, Matthew (Natalie) and later moved
to Sheboygan to work for Kohler company. Along came Elizabeth, his only daughter, during that
time frame. He remained a loyal employee to Kohler Company, even after retirement by doing
tours of the plant that he called “work” for many years.
We would say his favorite place to be, was the family cottages, almost obsessed with the
serenity of the lake and all that included. He was always ready to pack a bag and start a new
adventure, as long as it included good food and good company. Some of the most notable
memories of him will include a cigar in the mouth, fishing pole in hand and his bright blue eyes
gleaming with joy. Or the piano bench, filled with little ones at his side while he played many
songs, including “Alices Restaurant” and “Puff the Magic dragon.” His love and appreciation to
others is unforgettable and the flashing smile is engrained in our memories.
Those little ones on the piano bench were usually his grandkids, starting with Brittany, Mollie,
and Olivia (Calvin) from his son Steve. His bonus grandson came along, and he was blessed
with another one to call his own, Andrew. Matthew came along with Max and Charlie to add into
the mix, even if it was an electronic keyboard when he would visit their little slice of home
involving nature hikes and catching snakes when he could get them. Elizabeth, she had
Alexander, who was never far behind on his grandpa’s heels for another adventure and life
lesson.
As the grandkids grew up, they gave Jim even more reason to brag about his family. Brittany
gave him a little “tribe” as he would call it with Kayden, Addalyn, Nora, Ariella, Khalil, Jordyn,
Aryiah and Aaliyah. Mollie blessed him with Chloie and Ellanore. Lastly, Alexander gave him
Aria and Caia who took their first steps, said their first words while he watched and listened with
bountiful joy.
On the day of his last breath, he was greeted into those pearly gates with his brother John,
grandson Max and wife Merrie Bob. We picture it with a cigar in the mouth, drink in the hand
and lots of smiles and hugs.
We thank Lakehouse Sheboygan and Compassus hospice for the excellent care and love that
they provided this incredible man that we got to call “Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle”. Lastly and
not least, his friend Mary who supported him during many years of friendship and love. Without
her, we would have been lost as a family how to help make his days brighter.
A Memorial Service for Jim will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Ballhorn
Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center, 1201 N 8 th St. in Sheboygan, with Pastor Jim
Hollister officiating. Family will greet visitors on Saturday, at the funeral home, from 1:00 PM
until the time of the service.
In lieu of gifts, we ask that you select a charity or organization of your choice and donate in his
memory. Truly, he was a good man, and he would know. “There are only two of us left and you
are the other one”.
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