Americus, Georgia
One night more than 20 years ago, Jacques E. Brunson and his dad were stranded on the side of the Florida Turnpike when the family's moving van ran out of gas. As they waited for help, Brunson heard the sharp music of insects and asked his father what it was. Crickets, was the reply. Moments later, the son piped up, "I'll tell you what they're saying, Daddy. They're saying, 'I love you, I love you.'" Brunson, 30, of Americus, Ga., died July 24 in Baghdad when an explosive detonated near his vehicle. He was stationed at Albany. His parents nicknamed him after the old Schlitz beer commercial with the slogan, "Go for the gusto." At the time, the 10-month-old was proving to be a real handful himself, so his father decided to start calling him Gus. He is survived by his children, Kayla, 9, and Jake, 8. Pfc. Johnny Mann, a friend, said what he's likely to remember most about Brunson was how he would rush over to his bunk to talk about a video game. "'Hey man, I've got something to show you,'" Mann recalls Brunson saying. "'There's a new monster they created. There's a new level I just got.'"
Gus, I have always remembered you since DLI. You loved your children and your friends still mourn your loss. May your memory be blessed. Truly you walked with God....
Chaplain Clemens
May 30, 2024 | Friend
I go often to your grave and leave flowers and talk to you, you shoulda never been there . I remember talking to you before you left and asking you was this a good reason to go what if you don´t come back and you told me in your way so be it. Miss you everyday
peggy pollock
January 29, 2023 | Friend
Hello, We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of Jacques E. Brunson US Army Specialist. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that...
Charlie Gili
December 02, 2021
It's been a long time and so much has happened. Most days Gus is a passing memory that brings a smile or a pang if sadness that he isn't here to see something, a wish for his pranks or his smile or his big bear hugs. He is thought of often, and always with love and sadness that He is gone. I've been missing him terribly lately though. The late night talks, the silly stories, the long walks, the solid friendship. The things we never said. Gus, you're still missed very much and loved very...
Katrina Tiptin
May 31, 2017 | Leesburg, GA
In memory after ten years of losing my best friend.
Elizabeth Bailey
July 20, 2015 | VA
I knew Gus at DLI, and kept in touch with him in Iraq. Even now not a day goes by I do not think of him. As I have gone through the years I swear he is a guardian angel, keeping me safe,
Elizabeth Bailey
March 20, 2014
To the family and friends of Spc. Jacques E. Brunson:
Always remembering Jacques. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
July 24, 2013 | Carson City, NV
To the family and friends of Spc. Jacques E. Brunson:
Please accept my remembrance of Jacques on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
July 24, 2011 | Carson City, NV
I remember it like yesterday. Peace to you.
James Youngblood
January 29, 2011 | Winder, GA