James Michael Brennan

Hudson - James M. Brennan, age 91, passed away after a series of illnesses Tue., Aug. 19th, 2025.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth.

He has five children: Anne, Bill (Patty), Kathleen (Clyde), Michael (Kristen) and Daniel (Cindie).

He called raising his children "the best years of his life," but spending time with his eight grandchildren rivaled that happiness: Liam, Anna, Luke, Tommy, Ethan, Brock, Elise and Nolan.

Jim was born in Milton, Mass. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Brennan, his older brother, Donald, and older sister, Jean. He is survived by his younger sister, Patricia.

He attended Milton High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in advertising from Boston University.

Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and earned the rank of corporal in the Special Services as a reporter, based in San Diego. He received an honorable discharge.

He turned in his press pass for a career in sales. Eventually, Jim became the owner of TAB Products of Cleveland and won many sales and performance awards. His staff stayed with him for decades. He retired in 2007.

He and Betsy moved from Chicago to Hudson, Ohio, in 1982, where they continued to raise their family. They have been members of St. Mary Catholic Church for 44 years.

Later, he and Betsy enjoyed traveling-everywhere from China to riding on the Orient Express in Europe. His most vivid travel memory, however, was that $75 cab ride in Paris in the 1990s.

Jim ended up living in the Midwest for most of his life. He said he missed Boston and the ocean, but the people in the Midwest made up for it. The Boston accent, however, was hard to shake. He added an 'r' at the end of words like pizza or idea until the end.

Jim, aka "Backboard Brennan," was an avid tennis player and a dedicated member of the Western Reserve Racquet Club and the Hudson Tennis Club for years. He collected many trophies during his time there.

He also enjoyed his vigorous, daily 2-mile walks at Hudson Springs Park well into his late 80s.

Jim's love of family and friends, the Boston Red Sox, singing and dancing to Big Band music and having a wicked-smart sense of humor all contributed to him enjoying his long life. That, and the motto he took up later in life: Gotta keep moving!

In keeping with his generous nature, Jim chose to donate his body for scientific study to Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Sat., Sept. 6 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 340 N. Main St., in Hudson, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's name can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church.