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James Bruning Obituary
Bruning, Sr.
James Lindwind Bruning, Sr., age 84, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2016. Born in Clarence, Louisiana on October 11, 1932. Jim was the son of the late Harry and Molly Bruning. He graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1952 and then Northwestern State University in 1958. He was a four year football letterman at Northwestern State. Jim served in the Army from 1953-55. He also graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Masters Degree. Jim was a coach and educator at Natchitoches High School from 1959-1965. In 1966, he then became the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach until 1977. Natchitoches High under his leadership had several district championships and playoff bids. His 1969 Natchitoches High School team had the perfect season and went 14-0 and won the State Championship. From 1978-1983 he was Athletic Director. After he retired he worked with Lott Oil. Jim was devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Bettye Beasley Bruning. He is survived by his children Janyce Bruning Kinley and her husband Allen of College Station, Texas, Harryette Bruning Tinsley and her husband Sutton of Arcadia, Louisiana, and James L. Bruning, Jr. and his wife Kathryn Anthony Bruning of Humble, Texas. The greatest joys of his life were his four grandchildren Kelsey Kinley, Hannah and Lauren Tinsley, and James Rayford Bruning. He is survived by his sisters Betty Lou Thompson of Campti and Mira Ann Horne of Natchitoches, and brother Alfred A. (Beddie) Bruning and his wife Katherine of Clarence and many nieces and nephews. One of the dedications from his players stated "Coach Bruning's overall record speaks for itself; however, no win or loss record can ever reveal the success that this man has had in the growth and development of young men. Records are for statisticians or spectators and never can be used to judge the value of a man. No win or loss record can ever picture the father image of Coach Bruning. Points are just numbers on a scoreboard and short-lived, whereas Coach Bruning's image of a man will live with us forever." Visitation will be at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches,Louisiana on Wednesday, November 16 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana at 10:00 a.m. Visitation at the church will begin at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Thomas Rush will officiate the service. Interment will be at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches, Louisiana following the service. Pallbearers are Gene Knecht, Jr., Rand Dennis, Randy Long, John Williams, Joe Beck Payne, Mike Doherty, Buddy Hale, Gary DeBlieux, Jerry Sherrill, and Floyd Antley, Jr. All former players will be honorary pallbearers. The family would like to thank the many friends and former players who helped by visiting and caring for him. Special thanks to Kenneth Hurd, Warren Massia, Stuart Wright, Gary DeBlieux, Kenny Trahant, and Terry Downs for their hours of caring and visitations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the First Baptist Church Legacy Fund in Natchitoches or Northwestern State University Athletic Department in his name.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Bruning
Sponsored by Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home - Natchitoches.
Jim McCrory
November 8, 2019
I knew Coach Bruning starting when I was about five years of age and served as a water boy for the Northwestern football team about 1952. I vividly recall when he kicked a field goal that hit the upright and went through for a score. I later knew him in high school. We had a blast during the drivers education course he taught. I also played football during my high school years. Coach Bruning had a way of connecting with players on a personal lever that none of the other coaches could match. I regret that I could not spend time with him in his final days but I was the primary caretaker for my mother that mandated my time. However, Coach Bruning and I will be spending a lot of time together in the future - I will be buried next to him.
Natchitoches Central Class of 1975
November 30, 2016
On behalf of NCHS C/O 1975, Janyce our classmate, and family we sincerely extend our deepest condolences in the loss of your beloved Father and our Coach. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you all peace.
Natchitoches Central Class of 1975
November 30, 2016
On behalf of NCHS c/o 1975, to our classmate, Janyce and family we sincerely extend our deepest condolences to you in the loss of your beloved Dad and our Coach. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
DONNA COMPTON
November 17, 2016
JANYCE AND FAMILY-SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD. YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I DIDN'T KNOW YOUR DAD THAT WELL BUT I KNEW AND LOVED YOUR MOM-THEY WERE BOTH REALLY NICE PEOPLE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME!!!!!
Bill & Linda Lewallen
November 16, 2016
Dear Bruning children and your families,we are holding you all in our hearts and prayers.
Jim and Bettye were among the first people we met when moving to Natchitoches and they were the first to come to our aid when the tornado hit us. You are a very special family.
Bill & Linda Lewallen, Jerry, Doug, Kristy and families.
November 16, 2016
Lana, Linda and Barbara----Hampton Sisters would like the family know we are so sorry for their loss. We know God is with you all.
Falanda Scott-Ratliff
November 16, 2016
Amazing man, husband, father, and coach!!
Thanks for the memories!! C/O "84"
Rick Whittington
November 16, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with family at this difficult time. Coach had a big impact on not just my life but all lives that he touched. I know he will missed by family, friends and community.
Anne Haight-Jacobs
November 15, 2016
Jim was a strong and inspiring influence for so many high school athletes and fellow students. His dedication to his career and helping to shape the character of all whose lives he touched will always be remembered. May God comfort and bless his family.
Joey Scott
November 15, 2016
Coach changed a lot of men's lives. Thank you for all you done. You will be missed greatly
Rickey French
November 15, 2016
I am so sorry to read of the death of Coach Bruning. Coach was a fine man who always conducted himself with the utmost integrity. He was respected by all football coaches in Louisiana. Coach and Mrs. Bettye are together and are looking down on us I write this. God bless both of them.
November 15, 2016
You will be missed by childhood friends from Clarence. May the Lord bless and smile on the surviving family.
Perry and Christelle Winn
American Legion Post 277, Lampasas, TX
John Williams
November 15, 2016
Coach was a good man and mentor. He treated everyone with respect and expected us to do the same. He cared! He taught us through athletics that in life if you have knowledge, preparation and teamwork you could achieve a common goal. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Bless you Coach Bruning. You will be missed and never forgotten.
November 15, 2016
So Sorry to hear about your Dad. He was one of a kind. Praying for your family.
Zip Schmidt
Mike Doherty
November 15, 2016
Teams win because of old fashion things like hard work, determination, teamwork, leadership, respect and love.
Coach Bruning gave us the hard work, leadership and love. He also gave us the determination because of our resect for the man, we never wanted to let him down. We love you Coach
For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud
November 15, 2016
The Final Salute
Brothers in Arms, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged Hand Salutes as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This Hand Salute is the last that we shall render to JamesLindwind Brunning, Sr. Jim our Brother-in-Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Jim. And to Jim it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Korean War while serving in the U.S. Army and for his many years of dedicated serviced as a coach and educator. Jim, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 961 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Jim's family and loved ones.
Tommy Mills, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
Charles Livingston, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
Rhonda Wafford
November 15, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss, Harryette. My Prayers are with you and your family.
Lonnie Davis
November 14, 2016
With deepest sympathy. You and your family are in my prayers.
Douglas Logan
November 14, 2016
Jim was a good friend of mine since 1952. We served in the military (US Army) together. We took basic training at Camp Chaffee Arkansas and 21 months in Wertheim, Germany. He played on the post Football team which traveled all over Germany and were the League Champions then he and I played on the post baseball team that traveled all over Germany. Jim also coached the basketball team on the post. Jim always was a good friend and pal. He will be surely missed.
Brandon Helms
November 14, 2016
10 years ago my family moved here and Coach Bruning became a friend. He spent many a day coming to my office and just talking life with me. I learned so much from these conversations. I will never forget these times. Thank you for everything you did coach. You touched my life as you did many others. I will miss you my friend but I will never stop loving you. Thanks
linda brewer talbert
November 14, 2016
Coach Bruning was an amazing Coach. One only has to look at his coaching record. Beside Coach he was a friend mentor, teacher, family man and the BEST Drivers Ed teacher a parent could ever ask for their child to be taught Drivers Ed by. Coach Bruning, thank you for spending hours of your time parking, stopping, backing up and giving those you taught such joy and wonderful memories. We need more dedicated teachers as you these days. I along with all the students that lives you touched say thanks for our memories . My prayers are with the Bruning family and thank ya'll for sharing your dad with us so many years.
Barbara Hampton Driscoll
November 14, 2016
To the Family,
Coach was so special to so many. Thank you for sharing him with the NHS family for many years. We loved him! Prayers for strength and peace.
From NHS Class of 1967
Jim McCrory
November 14, 2016
I first met Coach Bruning about 1952 while serving as water boy for the NSU football team. I distinctly remember a field goal he kicked during a game that hit the upright and bounced in for a score. Later he would become my high school football coach (1960-1963). As a coach he was a motivator and a friend - above all, a fine man.
James Perry
November 14, 2016
My condolences to the family. Coach had a impact upon my life. God Bless Y'all
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Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home - Natchitoches848 Keyser Ave., Natchitoches, LA 71457
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Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home - Natchitoches848 Keyser Ave., Natchitoches, LA 71457
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