James Edward Bruya

James "Jim" Edward Bruya was born on December 10, 1950, in Niskayuna, New York, to Cliff and Lillian Bruya. As the middle child, with two sisters on each side, Jim developed the determination and inventiveness that carried him throughout his life. Ambitious from an early age, he stood out for his curiosity and drive-earning the rank of Eagle Scout was just the beginning.

In 1973, Jim graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Chemistry from Washington State University. He continued his education at Stanford University, earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1977, and went on to complete an NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Rochester. These experiences fueled a lifelong passion for learning and problem-solving.

In 1986, Jim co-founded Friedman & Bruya, Inc., a NELAP-accredited environmental laboratory that reflected both his scientific rigor and entrepreneurial spirit. He also served as an expert witness in environmental cleanup cases across the United States, bringing clarity and credibility to complex issues. Jim had a gift for making time for others-whether spending a few extra minutes answering a client's question or helping a new employee understand a piece of equipment. His curiosity, high standards, and generosity of spirit shaped the culture of the company. Under his leadership, F&B became recognized as one of the premier environmental laboratories in the Pacific Northwest.

In 1990, Jim married Robin, his partner of 35 years. Together they raised two daughters, Elizabeth and Ann, building a life grounded in family, friendship, and community.

Family was always at the center of Jim's life. Nothing gave him more joy than being a husband and father. He loved his children deeply and with his whole heart. He rarely missed a school program, concert, or sporting event. Whether it meant waking up before dawn to drive three hours to Pasco for a cross-country race or showing up at the crack of dawn for an early swim meet-Crocs on, smile on his face-Jim was always there, cheering them on with pride.

Jim was also known for his family road trips, where he managed to pack more into a single day than most could fit into a week. He delighted in hikes on Snoqualmie with his daughters and their friends, and he especially loved visiting them at college, whether for Parents Weekend or a surprise visit. These journeys, filled with laughter, warmth, and often a little mischief, became treasured family memories. He had a rare gift for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary-whether a Saturday afternoon, a simple car ride, or a family gathering, Jim could transform it into a moment to be cherished for years to come.

Jim found his happy place on Vashon Island, just down the beach from his sister Marcia and brother-in-law Jeff. He enjoyed mowing the grass so their dogs could play ball, treasured long walks on the beach with friends, cheered on family and friends in the P2P, welcomed visits from his sister Cathy, and relished his fishing adventures. He also hosted the annual "Christmas in July" party and shared his famous paella and red wine with those he cared about. For him, paella was more than a dish-it was a metaphor for friendship: blending many ingredients into a single, generous feast. Like his paella, Jim brought warmth, humor, and generosity into every relationship.

In early August, Jim fell in downtown Seattle and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Robin, Elizabeth, Ann, and Marcia were his fierce and unwavering advocates every step of the way. Tragically, he could not recover from his injuries. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated nurses, support staff, and doctors at Harborview for their extraordinary care. A special thanks goes to Dr. Diana Barrett Wiseman, whose compassion and guidance supported the family as they honored Jim's medical directive.

Jim is survived by his wife Robin; daughters Elizabeth and Ann; and his four sisters.

He will be remembered for his brilliance, his generosity, his unforgettable paella dinners-and above all, his deep devotion to family and friends.

In honor of Jim, his family asks that you take the time to complete a medical directive-or, if you already have one, to review and update it. Doing so is a profound gift to your loved ones.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on October 25 at noon at Vashon Center for the Arts

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Vashon Maury Community Food Bank or Vashon Center