James Jim E. Brundage

James “Jim” E. Brundage, 87, of Lehigh, IA, died Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Unity Point Trinity Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at the Historic Bruce Funeral Home, 923 1st Avenue South, with Chaplain Gary Snook officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday, January 15, 2021, at the funeral home. Interment will take place at West Lawn Cemetery in Lehigh with Military Honors conducted by the VFW Post 1856 and the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, social distancing must be followed and masks are required. Services will also be live streamed via our Historic Bruce Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials may be directed to the family.

James Edwin was born November 8, 1933, in Lehigh, the son of Roy and Grace (Groves) Brundage. Following his graduation from Lehigh High School in 1951, Jim began working at Tobin Packing Company until he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1953, due to the Korean War. While crossing the Pacific Ocean, ceasefire was called and the ship rerouted and ported in Japan where he was trained in Radar and Air Traffic Control for the next 18 months. After his honorable discharge on April 13, 1955, Jim entered the Army Reserves. On St. Patricks Day in 1956, Jim met Evelyn “Joan” Alexander at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge. After a 3 month courtship, the couple became engaged and were united in marriage with a candlelight ceremony at the Lehigh Methodist Church on September 21, 1956. In 1962, the couple moved to a farm outside of Lehigh where they spent 50 years. In 2012, they moved to their current residence in Lehigh. Jim worked at Hormel's for over 30 years. He also attended ICCC Small Engine Repair School and worked on small engines for many years. In 1985, Jim became employed by Southeast Webster Schools as a custodian and bus driver. After retirement, he continued driving bus until the age of 77. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, grilling, playing cards & having coffee with his friends downtown, playing Black Jack at the Casino, going for drives, watching Westerns on TV and napping. Jim was the proud winner of the Lehigh Centennial Beard Contest in 1983, and had his picture taken with Miss Iowa. Jim was a member of the Lehigh United Methodist Church, Lehigh Lions Club and a life member of the VFW Post 1856.

Jim was a stubborn, straight forward “no sugar coating” man with a soft gentle heart and the most generous soul. We were so fortunate to have had such a selfless, supportive, family oriented man who will forever be the pillar of our family. He has touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years: Joan Brundage of Lehigh; 3 children: Tony Brundage and wife Pam, Marty Brundage, and Shelly Brundage – all of Lehigh; 3 grandchildren: Josh Brundage of Lehigh, Jamie Brundage (Bruce Johnson) of Otho, and Rachel Smith and husband Nick of Fort Dodge; 6 great grandchildren: Evelyn, Grace, Rylee, Carston, Braydon and Kayleigh; and sister-in-law: Judy Decker of Algona, IA. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Roy and Grace Brundage; 3 sisters: Betty Brueland and husband Bud, Phyllis Anthony and husband Tony, and Garnet Hansen and husband LaVern; mother and father-in-law: Art and Evelyn Alexander; and brother-in-law: Dwight Decker.