JAMES BRUCE Sr.

BRUCE, James "Jim" R. Sr., died peacefully on September 10, 2010. He was born April 26, 1926 to Stewart Rollin and Aley Whitsun Bruce in Peoria, Ill. Jim and his brother, John grew-up in Pekin, Ill., where Jim was the Drum Major of his high school band for two years, one of his fond memories. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother. In 1944, Jim entered V-5 officer preparation program of the United States Navy and studied in Maryville, Mo. When World War II ended, he enrolled in the University of Kansas and graduated in 1948 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the state of Kansas but eventually made his way into private industry, working as a mechanical engineer. In Virginia, Jim worked for Powers Regulator Company, and for the last 13 years of his formal working career for the City of Richmond as Chief of the Bureau of Buildings Management. He was very active in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), serving in several capacities in the local chapter and on national committees. He helped form the Richmond Joint Engineers' Council and served as its president in its second year. He helped revive the annual Engineers' Week newspaper insert, and served as editor of this publication for several years. He was proud of serving on the committee forum to bring engineering education to the Richmond area which eventually resulted in an Engineering School as part of Virginia Commonwealth University. Jim was active in the Chrisitan Church (Disciples of Christ), wherever he lived. As a member of Seventh Street Christian Church in Richmond, he served the church in many capacities. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond. He volunteered at the Science Museum of Virginia in the Universe Theater, and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 1998. Jim loved music, sang in choirs, played in a Navy jazz band, and enjoyed everything from blue grass to opera. He loved to fish, travel, work with computers, and baseball. He and his wife, Mildred, traveled to spring training in Florida for many years when his health allowed it. Surviving Jim are his devoted wife of 35 years, Mildred; his daughters, Cathy Keith (Mike), and Judy Granger (Gray); his sons, James Jr. (Rita), and Mike (Debbie); his stepdaughter, Nancy Hamilton (Mike); special friend and his family, Joseph, Judy and Claire Gallagher; as well as many devoted friends. He was proud of his 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and especially enjoyed family gatherings. On his 82nd birthday, Jim was heard to say "How can I be 82 years old when I think I'm 37?" It was this attitude and his indomitable spirit which will be remembered and sorely missed. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Bliley's - Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Seventh Street Christian Church. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family sugests that donations be sent to the Memorial Fund of Seventh Street Christian Church, 4101 Grove Ave., Richmond, Va. 23221.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.