James Herman Brodel

James Herman Brodel, age 96, of Brighton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025.
Born on March 26, 1929, to the late Herman and Hazel Brodel, James grew up in Farmington, Michigan, and his parents owned and operated Brodel and Son's Funeral Home, in Detroit, Michigan. While the family business was well established, James chose a different path-answering the call to serve his country in the United States Navy.
After his service, James married the love of his life, Patricia, and together they shared 69 beautiful years of marriage until her passing in 2023. They raised one son, Mike Brodel, who also preceded him in death in 2023.
James was a man full of humor, heart, and hands-on talent. He could fix just about anything and took great pride in teaching his family how to use every tool in his well-stocked workshop. He retired from the Teamsters and spent his retirement years doing what he loved most-working with his hands, tinkering on projects, and making people laugh.
A proud craftsman and aviation enthusiast, James spent countless hours at Willow Run Airport helping rebuild historic aircraft, including the Naughty Angel and the B-52 Bomber. He was also passionate about model planes and ships, puzzles, and golf. A true outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and share stories from his adventures.
Above all, James loved being a grandpa. His family was his greatest joy, and his playful spirit was often shown by showing up in a monkey suit just to make someone laugh.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Lynne Brodel; granddaughter, Chrystal Brodel; great-grandchildren, Kenneth Barnhill, James Barnhill, and Halley Barnhill; and his brother, John "Fred" Brodel.
James will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery with Military Honors at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com