James Thomas Brunner

James (Jim) Thomas Brunner

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed, so very dear.”

It is with great sadness that the family of James Thomas Brunner announce that he left this earth far too soon on December 7th, 2023. True to character, his passing was the classic Irish exit with no long difficult goodbyes. After a valiant battle with cancer, he went quickly and peacefully, sparing his family any extended suffering with his departure, his final act of love and devotion.

Jim was raised in Colts Neck, NJ and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, class of 1975. He continued his education, first attending Temple University, then graduating from The University of Rhode Island. He grew up working at his family’s local construction business and eventually established his own company, CNC Construction, which developed many neighborhoods in the Colts Neck area. Jim later transitioned to a long and successful career with M&M Knopf and LKQ Corporation in the automotive parts industry.

Married in 1990, Jim lived and raised his two beautiful daughters in Rumson, NJ. They were his greatest pride and joy, and he would tell you just that any chance he got. He loved spending summers at the beach with friends and family and enjoyed rooting for the Giants, but only if they won.

Jim was one of a kind, there was no one quite like him. He was generous, warm, and always spoke his mind. He was always undeniably himself and we will miss his quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor. Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and we will cherish his memory every day.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Jane and James Brunner, sister in-law Patricia Campi Lyon and brother in-law Charles Raines. Jim leaves behind his wife Diane, his beloved daughters, and their spouses; Ashley and Nicholas Frangipane, Emily and Joseph Brunetto, brother John Brunner, nephews Kyle and Connor, brother in-law James Lyon, nephew Thomas, niece Sarah, sister in-law Kasey Ordway Raines, and many loving Brunner cousins.

“Perhaps my time seemed all too brief - Don’t shorten yours with undue grief. Be not burdened with tears of sorrow, enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.”

For friends and family to celebrate Jim’s life, please join us for a memorial service at St. Georges-by-the-River, 7 Lincoln Avenue Rumson, NJ on Saturday April 20th at 12pm. A reception will follow at the family’s home, 5 Holly Tree Lane.