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James "Jim" McBryde
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
September 23, 1950 - December 30, 2024
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James "Jim" McBryde Obituary
James (Jim) McBryde, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 30, 2024.
A Private Family Graveside Service has taken place at Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Sunday, January 5 from 4 until 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service for Jim will take place at Mt. Pleasant Community Church on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Aaron Mora officiating. Visitation will continue at the church the day of the service from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A Luncheon will immediately follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Mt. Pleasant Community Church or Orchard Africa (www.orchardafrica.org/memorialgift). Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel and the church the day of the service.
Jim was born on September 23, 1950, in Santa Monica, CA, son of Edward James and Barbara (Fowler) McBryde. He moved to Michigan when he was 11 and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. He graduated with honors from Central Michigan University in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Jim worked in the family shoe business and was a sales and marketing representative for various companies. He was elected to the Isabella County Commission, 1984-1990; Isabella County Criminal Justice Committee; founding chair, Isabella County 9-1-1 governing board, 1989-1990. His legacy in public service continued in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he was elected to serve the 99th District in 1990 and reelected in 1992, 1994, and 1996. After leaving the legislature due to term limits, Jim continued his distinguished career in Michigan’s public and economic sectors. He was Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and also served as Interim Chair for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and as a Special Assistant for the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Jim joined the Middle Michigan Development Corporation in 2015 as President and CEO. His strategic vision and tireless efforts brought growth and prosperity to our region. He always prioritized the needs of local businesses, municipalities and residents. Jim was committed to the Mt. Pleasant community and was a member of the Isabella County Farm Bureau, Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mt. Pleasant Lions Club. His impact on others were reflected by various accolades he received, including CMU Centennial Award in 1992, the “Legislator of the Year” award from the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association in 1994 and the Legislative “Star” award from the MI Deputy Sheriffs’ Association in 1994 and 1996, the Merit Service Award by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe in 1995, the Distinguished Service Award from the MEDC, Economic Developer of the Year Medalist Award in 2020 by the Michigan Economic Developers Association.
Jim married Kim Benoit on November 28, 1987 in Mt. Pleasant and together they enjoyed life with their four daughters. He especially enjoyed his new role as grandpa. Jim held a great fascination and love for all things Star Wars. He was an extra in Star Wars Episode II, Attack of the Clones (Diner Scene: 32 min 3 sec mark) and Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (Galaxy Opera House Scene: 42 min 45 sec mark). He enjoyed the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, all things superhero, especially Superman, NASA, Corvettes, Hummers, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse and the Beatles, especially Paul McCartney.
Jim was a lifelong devoted follower of Jesus. He was a founding member of Mt. Pleasant Community Church and enjoyed serving each Sunday with the Usher Team. He was a strong supporter of many Christian ministries. He was planning to lead a mission trip with Orchard Africa to teach skills for improving economic development in a local South African community.
Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim McBryde of Mt. Pleasant; four daughters, Sarah McBryde, Natalie McBryde, Elizabeth (Jordan Whalen) McBryde, and Rebecca (Beau) Arlt; granddaughter, Ashtyn Mae Arlt and a grandson expected in March 2025; siblings, Roxanne McBryde, Robyn (John) Ciccone, Scott (Elizabeth Ford) McBryde, Dan (Sylvie) McBryde; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Edward James; mother, Barbara Mallon; step-mother, Joanne McBryde; brother, John McBryde, and brother, Brett McBryde.
James (Jim) McBryde, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 30, 2024.
A Private Family Graveside Service has taken place at Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Sunday, January 5 from 4 until 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service for Jim will take place at Mt. Pleasant Community Church on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Aaron Mora officiating. Visitation will continue at the church the day of the service from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A Luncheon will immediately follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Mt. Pleasant Community Church or Orchard Africa (www.orchardafrica.org/memorialgift). Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel and the church the day of the service.
Jim was born on September 23, 1950, in Santa Monica, CA, son of Edward James and Barbara (Fowler) McBryde. He moved to Michigan when he was 11 and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. He graduated with honors from Central Michigan University in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Jim worked in the family shoe business and was a sales and marketing representative for various companies. He was elected to the Isabella County Commission, 1984-1990; Isabella County Criminal Justice Committee; founding chair, Isabella County 9-1-1 governing board, 1989-1990. His legacy in public service continued in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he was elected to serve the 99th District in 1990 and reelected in 1992, 1994, and 1996. After leaving the legislature due to term limits, Jim continued his distinguished career in Michigan’s public and economic sectors. He was Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and also served as Interim Chair for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and as a Special Assistant for the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Jim joined the Middle Michigan Development Corporation in 2015 as President and CEO. His strategic vision and tireless efforts brought growth and prosperity to our region. He always prioritized the needs of local businesses, municipalities and residents. Jim was committed to the Mt. Pleasant community and was a member of the Isabella County Farm Bureau, Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mt. Pleasant Lions Club. His impact on others were reflected by various accolades he received, including CMU Centennial Award in 1992, the “Legislator of the Year” award from the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association in 1994 and the Legislative “Star” award from the MI Deputy Sheriffs’ Association in 1994 and 1996, the Merit Service Award by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe in 1995, the Distinguished Service Award from the MEDC, Economic Developer of the Year Medalist Award in 2020 by the Michigan Economic Developers Association.
Jim married Kim Benoit on November 28, 1987 in Mt. Pleasant and together they enjoyed life with their four daughters. He especially enjoyed his new role as grandpa. Jim held a great fascination and love for all things Star Wars. He was an extra in Star Wars Episode II, Attack of the Clones (Diner Scene: 32 min 3 sec mark) and Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (Galaxy Opera House Scene: 42 min 45 sec mark). He enjoyed the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, all things superhero, especially Superman, NASA, Corvettes, Hummers, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse and the Beatles, especially Paul McCartney.
Jim was a lifelong devoted follower of Jesus. He was a founding member of Mt. Pleasant Community Church and enjoyed serving each Sunday with the Usher Team. He was a strong supporter of many Christian ministries. He was planning to lead a mission trip with Orchard Africa to teach skills for improving economic development in a local South African community.
Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim McBryde of Mt. Pleasant; four daughters, Sarah McBryde, Natalie McBryde, Elizabeth (Jordan Whalen) McBryde, and Rebecca (Beau) Arlt; granddaughter, Ashtyn Mae Arlt and a grandson expected in March 2025; siblings, Roxanne McBryde, Robyn (John) Ciccone, Scott (Elizabeth Ford) McBryde, Dan (Sylvie) McBryde; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Edward James; mother, Barbara Mallon; step-mother, Joanne McBryde; brother, John McBryde, and brother, Brett McBryde.