Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Brenden Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Brenden
Donna Ballard (Ratliff)
April 15, 2011
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!!!
June Guess Jones
April 11, 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.
Jaclyn Winter Geesey
April 10, 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
Teresa Findlay Gallardo
April 6, 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.
John Merritt
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!
Melanie (Butler) Nelson
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"!
The Johnsons
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
Jack Adams
April 3, 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.
Yvette & Dan Rehurek
April 1, 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.
John, Jack, & Kim Sales
March 30, 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)
Terry Rosales
March 30, 2011
Thank you Mr. Brenden for teaching me the love of music. You worked us hard to be the best!!
Jeannine Huish Wright
March 29, 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.
Billy Turner
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.
John Enriquez
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.
Mary Spikes Barnes
March 28, 2011
Lloyd and Mandy,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Mr.Brenden was a fine man.
Patrick Rice
March 27, 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
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in James Brenden's name
Memorial Events
for James Brenden
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Brenden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
