James Alton Bruen Jr.

I had the privilege of working for Jim as his legal secretary while putting myself through night law school at Golden Gate. Those years were magical for me - not only because I was learning, but because Jim was such a remarkable boss and mentor. He made an enormous impact on my life, both professionally and personally. I adored working with him, admired his brilliance and kindness, and carried those lessons into my own long career as a lawyer. Please know that he meant the world to me, and...

Papa (Jim) always set such an amazing example for me and the rest of my family. He was the most patient person I´ve ever known, and always treated everyone around him with kindness and respect regardless of their differences. I knew I could always turn to him for anything at all and he would really listen and give me smart and helpful advice. I strive to be like him when I´m older in many many ways. I will always cherish the memories from our wonderful road trips to enjoy the outdoors of...

Jim was a wonderful grandfather to me for my entire life. My siblings, cousins and I call him Papa. At almost 27, I feel extremely grateful to have been able to know Papa into my adulthood. Papa had a gentle demeanor, a great sense of humor, and a quiet wisdom. He would often respond to my questions with a joke when I was growing up. He made me laugh whenever I spoke to him. He always gave me great advice. I miss him very much and always will. Papa supported me through many stages in my...

Papa (James Bruen) was a great man and a wonderful grandfather. We shared memorable road trips with Nana (Virginia Van Zandt) from California to Utah where we would ski together, many good meals, and many laughs. Papa helped me to become a better athlete by throwing me the football, a better musician by helping to fund my guitar lessons, and a better person by setting a good example as a strong, stoic, and yet gentle and caring man. Perhaps the strongest impact that Papa had on my life was...

Jim was a great father to me and I miss him very much. He gave me so much: a great childhood, a wonderful home, memorable trips to Utah, New York, Nicaragua, France and Italy. He taught me so much about history, law, psychology, food, sports, and life in general. I'll always remember him taking me to North Beach and Little City and Capp's Corner for my birthdays. He helped get me through college at Cal and gave me helpful advice in many stages of life. He was a wonderful grandfather to my...