James Brockman

James (Jas) Brockman
May 1, 1947 - February 14, 2023
Richland, Washington - James ("Jas", "Jim") Robert Brockman, 75, died peacefully in Richland, WA on February 14, 2023, after a short illness. He was born on May 1, 1947, in Morrison, IL to Walter and Rita Brockman. Jas grew up in Round Grove, IL and graduated from Morrison High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was awarded a purple heart for injuries he sustained. Jas married Carol Haendler in 1967. Though the marriage ended in divorce, two daughters were born from the union.
Jas moved to beautiful Washington state in the early 1980's, settling in Richland where he lived until his passing. He worked at Hanford Nuclear Site first as an RCT, then transferred to Radiation Safety until his retirement. Always an athlete, Jas switched from being a multi-sport high school athlete to finding a passion for hitting the links. He could often be found at Columbia Point Golf Course where he met some of his dearest friends. He was lucky enough to even have several hole-in-ones. He played in many area golf tournaments, including Tri Cities AM. His favorite though was his best friend's Jim Massey Invitational. Jas was known in the men's club as the rules guru. If you had a question about the rules, you asked Jas and frequently ended up in an in-depth conversation about said rules. He also enjoyed weekly poker nights with many of the same friends he golfed with.
Jas is survived by his siblings Ruth (Donald) Myers of Solon, IA, Walter "Walt" (Nancy) Brockman of South Lyon, MI, and Henry "Hank" (Jennifer) Brockman of Grand Blanc, MI; daughters Tracy (Bob) Edler of Olathe, KS, and Heather (Sean) Shire of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren Katie Edler, Kevin Edler, Maura Shire, and Ian Shire; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends who he loved dearly and who he considered to be family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Donald and Roger.
Jas had a great smile, gave hugs freely and often, and frequently had an ornery twinkle in his eye that will be missed by those that loved him. To list his close friends would take the writing of a book. In his memory, do your best to mend broken fences (you won't regret it) and please hug those near and dear to you, tell them you love them, and don't let go for at least two full minutes. A celebration of life will be held May 13, 2023 at Zintel Creek Golf Course from 4-6 PM at the 19th hole. Finger foods and non alcoholic drinks provided. There will be a no host bar.