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James Brenden Obituary

Brenden, James Arthur
Gilbert, Arizona, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the age of 90 at Portobello Assisted Living Home, Mesa, Arizona, following a brief illness. Born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on June 25, 1920, the son of John and Anna Brenden, James graduated from Concordia College, MN, and earned his Masters degree from Drake University. He went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and the Presidential Unit Citation. James taught music several years in MN before moving to Douglas, Arizona where his career spanned 33 years teaching music and developing a top-ranked high school band program which earned him the affectionate nicknames "Mr. Music" and "The Music Man" of Douglas Public Schools. He was awarded the Distinguished Director's Award by the First Chair of America and the Nunamaker Award for AZ band directors. Under his direction, the DHS Marching Band received Superior ratings for 14 consecutive years at University of Arizona Band Day. James was active in local civic and professional groups, including the Rotary Club, the Community Concert Association, the Elks Club, the Douglas Bowling League, the local, state, and national education associations (DEA, AEA, NEA). Most recently he attended St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mesa; and attended St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Tucson for a number of years. He was a long term member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Douglas, where he served as choir director for many years. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and having coffee at Douglas Drug with friends; and fostered a love for the game of golf in his two sons. He is survived by his two sons, James Arlen (Jim) Brenden, and wife Susan (Foresman); and Lloyd Douglas Brenden and wife Amanda (Lay), all of Mesa. He is further survived by his sister Alice Serkland (Moorhead, MN) and family; other relatives, and close friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty (2010); granddaughter Ericka (1974) daughter of Jim and Susan; and brothers Alvin, Kenneth, Lloyd, Johnnie; sister Evelyn; and brother-in-law, Chester Serkland. A Memorial Service celebrating the lives of James and Betty Brenden is planned for 2:00 Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Mariposa Gardens, 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85206, 480-830-4422. Their final resting place will be the National Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona. The family respectfully suggests in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Mr. Jim Brenden's name to the Douglas High School Band and Music Dept, to be used for students' needs, or to charity of their choice. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Funeral Care, Mesa. Condolences may be made at www.mariposagardens.com.
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Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 27, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
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Wow...I wholeheartedly agree with all of these tributes. I certainly wish there were more teachers as dedicated as Mr. Brenden. Such little we know about our teachers. I never knew he was a marine! No wonder he demanded perfection. I always loved performing at half-time and at parades. The DHS band was always small, but man, we could blow away some 4A schools at our Band Day competitions. Mr. Brenden taught 6 out of 8 of us Ratliff kids. I have to thank him because without this music skill he taught me, I would have never been able to learn piano or appreciate music as much as I do now. I remember I was at a Broncos game and it was freezing. I sat outside at the half-time show to watch the CSU marching band. Those who were with me opted to go inside and thought I was crazy! Thank you Mr. Brenden!!!

Donna Ballard (Ratliff)

April 15, 2011

We can thank Mr Brenden for all the values and work ethics that he expected from all of us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

June Guess Jones

April 11, 2011

Mr. Brenden has always held a special place in my heart & memories, ESPECIALLY when I see current bands "attempting" to march during parades! I remember doing things over & over until we were "perfect" for Mr. Brenden. At the time, being teenagers, I know we often disliked having to do & re-do things, but now, when I see bands in parades, I take pride in knowing that WE, the DHS Band, were nearly ALWAYS in perfect step as we turned a corner & our lines remained straight & our feet marched in sync! I often comment to my husband that Mr. Brenden would be mortified to see marching bands today! And our DHS Half-time programs were picture perfect & hardly anyone left the stadium during these shows, giving us a grand round of applause. Our trips to UofA to perform for awards, our trips to the AZ State Fair, where we always garnered applause from on-lookers....all are fond memories.
My greatest memory is trying out for the All Arizona Bicentennial Band in 1976: a nervous, introverted, unpopular 16 yr old with little confidence and it was then, before, during & after my audition for a spot on this "team" that I knew, after all the yrs working with him through Jr and Sr HS, that he truly cared & believed in me! I made 1st flute in both the DHS Band & for the Bicentennial Band & will never forget not only marching for Pres. Ford, July 3, 1976, but in Philadelphia, PA on July 4, 1976: a great rainfall came & while others ran for cover, under the direction of Mr. Brenden, we continued to march to the end of the parade line & were hailed, in the papers, as "The Hero's of Philadelphia" for that parade!
SOOOO many wonderful memories of a wonderful, dedicated man. I am sure YOU were proud to call him "Dad" and to know him in a personal manner. If I had only known that a) he lived so close, I could've and would've visited and b) about the memorial BEFORE my folk's informed me, I would've attended. He is not gone in my memories or heart & I know he's not "lost", for I know exactly where he is: with his beloved wife, walking in Heaven, listening to the music & smiling down on all of us who were lucky & blessed enough to have known him.

Thank you, Mr. B!

Jackie, 1st Flute

Jaclyn Winter Geesey

April 10, 2011

Mr. Brenden was an institution by the time I joined the DHS band in 1971. I was proud of the time I spent marching and playing with the band. So proud that I tried to get the current DHS band to actually MARCH during football games. I am a teacher at DHS and volunteered to teach the band members to march. I don't know if it was hopeless, but I gave up after one year.

You knew you were part of something special when Mr. Brenden was leading the band.

I've always wanted to get an alumni band together and march at homecoming. Contact me if you are interested. No one understands what the floating DHS was all about.

Teresa Findlay Gallardo

April 6, 2011

Mister Brenden is ALWAYS the teacher I remember first, and a man for whom my respect grows every time I think about my life in Douglas. Being in his band shaped my life in a very positive way, and I will always be grateful to him for his patience, ability to inspire, and ability to make me see and use my own potential.
While I was in the Marine Corps I was honored to be able to share memories with him of his time in the Corps, and those are very special memories for me. Semper Fi!

John Merritt

April 6, 2011

Mr. Brenden was the first to help me learn that I could do and be more than I realized. He pushed us hard because he cared and he saw our potential when we didn't. Having three older sisters who were also in band, I grew up going to band concerts and being in the band was something I aspired to do. He left a lasting impression that I have carried with me through all the years since I graduated. Thank you "JB"!

Melanie (Butler) Nelson

April 5, 2011

The Johnson Family sends our love and appreciation to the Brendens. What a huge difference Mr. Brenden made in our lives and the lives of countless more young people from Douglas. His contribution will never be forgotten and will always be appreciated.
With Respect -
Roy, Susie, Doug, Gary and Barry Johnson

The Johnsons

April 5, 2011

Brenden family,
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of both your parents. I remember Mr. Brenden as a dedicated band director and was compassionate to all his band members. I remember the outings and the trips we made. His use of the his megaphone especially to root the football team on. He treated us in a military manner during our field practices early in the morning but it was well worth it when we presented a usually flawless performance during half time.

Jack Adams

April 3, 2011

Brenden Family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of both of your parents. We had many years of association with both and they were wonderful friends. After we learned of your fathers death we were reminiscing with our daughters about their experiences in band. Many were humorous stories-especially about band trips. They agreed that he taught them well. He has a great legacy. Again, our sincere sympathy.

Yvette & Dan Rehurek

April 1, 2011

Dear Brenden Family,
James and Betty were a beautiful, all-American couple. They contributed much to society, positively touching the lives of countless young people. It was a pleasure and a great honor to know them. When you think of them, you can hold your heads high and be proud, all the days of your lives. - - - Sales Family (Arizona)

John, Jack, & Kim Sales

March 30, 2011

Thank you Mr. Brenden for teaching me the love of music. You worked us hard to be the best!!

Terry Rosales

March 30, 2011

Charlotte Kimble Schwab

March 30, 2011

If I had to pick a teacher that had the greatest impact on my life, it would be Mr. Brenden. He gave me a greater love for music than I already had. Although at times I felt he was harsh, I have come to realize that he cared about us and our giving 100% which he knew we could. Who will ever forget him playing his trombone, which was "as cold as his heart" he would always say, to show the trombone players how to play a part? I will never forget him and will be eternally grateful for all he taught me.

Jeannine Huish Wright

March 28, 2011

Thank you Mr Brenden, for your values and discipline. It was only as I got older that I could appreciate all that you stood. You were a truly great man and you will be missed.

Billy Turner

March 28, 2011

Mr Brenden was my music teacher and one of the few that taught discipline and values. He left a lasting impression with myself and many others. I Thank You so very much. A fine man!! My deepest condolences to his family.

John Enriquez

March 28, 2011

Lloyd and Mandy,

Please accept my sincere condolences. Mr.Brenden was a fine man.

Mary Spikes Barnes

March 28, 2011

Dear Brenden Family,

Our deepest sympathy in this time of loss.

Every Marine, past and present is an honored part of our family.

We will never forget the bravery and enormous sacrifice of his generation.

Semper Fi,

Patrick Rice
Marine Corps League
Detachment 1296
East Valley Marines

Patrick Rice

March 27, 2011

Carol Bond Fiore

March 23, 2011

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