With immense sadness we announce the death of James (Jim) Brunsek on March 5, 2024, at the age of 67. Jim or Jimmy, as he was known when younger, was one-of-a-kind. He was larger than life in so many ways, having an impact of one sort or another wherever he showed up. If you knew him, you have a Jim story to tell. While he showed a tough--some might say crusty—exterior at times, Jim had a truly big heart and generous spirit.

He leaves behind his daughter, Cindy (Peter) and son, Jeffrey (Nicole), his sister, Judy, his niece, Ashley (Nathan), his nephews, Alex and Jake, and his sister-in-law, Kyoko. His grandchildren, Haley, Gabriella, Julia, Ethan, Nolan, and Aidan were just about the most important people in the world to him, he loved them immensely. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanko and Zinka and his older brother, Danny. He also leaves behind cousins Metka (Erik), Franci (Milena), Vlasta (Janez), and Konrad (Ivica) in Slovenia.

Born and raised in Toronto, Jim ultimately settled in Milton. After a variety of jobs which he never found just right for him, he decided to go back to school in his 40s, graduating with high honours from Seneca College, and went on to start his own successful security business.

One of Jim’s great passions was riding his Harley Davidson near home and throughout North America. He’d think nothing of planning long rides to visit friends or explore places like British Columbia, Texas, California, and Florida to name just a few. We’re pretty sure the only thing he loved more than riding was his family, and even then, it was a bit of a competition.

No one could ever tell Jim what to do. He lived life on his own terms and was notable for appreciating people for who they were. Jim’s life was filled with adventures and many obstacles. His family always said he was like a cat with nine lives, having survived much adversity, only to come out stronger willed than ever¬¬--something we hardly thought possible!

Jim was considered a character by just about everyone who met him. He had an exceptional ability to make and keep friends. He had great self-awareness and an impressive self-confidence. He could exude charm when he wanted to or show the cantankerousness that was its opposite. He gave guidance and shared words of advice to many throughout his life. Jim had a zest for eating good food, a legendary stubbornness, an ability to wryly drop one of his famous phrases into any conversation, a contagious chuckle, an unforgettable smirk, and so much more.

It’s impossible to capture who Jim was in the confines of an obituary and we know those who knew him are going to fill in the blanks. Suffice it to say, his absence will be deeply felt by his children and their spouses, his beloved grandchildren, the rest of the family, and his many friends.

For the past couple of years, Jim had been insistent on trying to grow things in his garden, so in lieu of flower arrangements, maybe bring a plant, so that we can watch it grow in his memory for years to come.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at McKersie & Early Funeral Home, 114 Main Street East, Milton, ON.  There will be a brief visitation on Saturday, March 16th from 10-11 am, with a service starting at 11 am, followed by a farewell honour ride.

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