James (Jim) Leonard Brunson

James Leonard Brunson. May 27, 1956 - November 26, 2024. Providence, Utah

James Leonard Brunson, lovingly known as Jim, passed away on November 26, 2024 in Providence, Utah at the age of 68, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Born on May 27, 1956, in Logan, Utah, Jim was the youngest of seven children to Max Ellot Brunson Senior and Alta Beth (Wayman) Brunson. He grew up in Logan, attending Logan City Schools where he developed many life-long friendships, and graduated from Logan High School in 1974.

Jim married Faye M. Burklow on March 12, 1988 in Logan, Utah, and embraced the role of stepfather to her four children, whom he cherished as his own. Together, they cultivated a loving family where Jim's generosity and warmth were evident to all who knew him. With Faye’s passing in 2005, he continued his role as a devoted father, dedicating his time and energy into caring for Laura.

A self-taught musician with a passion for traveling, Jim played guitar, bass, and sang with enthusiasm, sharing his talent in numerous bands over the years including Ezra Nature, Efluvia, Rolling Country, Lost Creek Outlaws Band, TR McCoy, Heartland Band, and the Voodoo Heathens. His love for music was a significant part of his identity which brought joy not only to him, but also those around him.

In his professional life, Jim followed his passions while performing with various bands as a traveling musician. Jim was a skilled painter and construction laborer, a career during which he met his beloved Faye. Later, he dedicated his efforts to special education as an instructional assistant at Hartvigsen School, and subsequently served as head custodian at Redwood and Rose Crest Elementary Schools, earning the affection and respect of students, parents, and staff alike.

Jim's zest for life was also reflected in his love for outdoor adventures. He relished snow skiing, camping, boating, and fishing, savoring every opportunity to connect with nature and his friends and family. 

His devotion to his family and friends was unparalleled, and his love for them surpassed all other passions.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Faye Marie, his parents Max Ellot Brunson Senior and Alta Beth, his brothers Max Ellot Junior and Larry Allen, his sister Julie Beth Erekson, brother-in-law Stephen Ray Snyder, and his son Jacob Lee Crandall. He is survived by his children Lynne Marie Kanegae (Yasuyuki), Laura Catherine Crandall, and Joshua Alan Crandall (Sandra), his granddaughters Erika Marie Greenwald (Marshall) and Masami Tiffanie Kanegae, his brother Peter Gary (Annette), and sisters Bonnie Jo James (Alan) and Norene Snyder (Stephen Ray), sisters-in-law Debbie Fluckiger Brunson (Larry Allen) and Kathryn Carter Burnson (Max Ellot Junior), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 S 100 E, Logan, UT 84321, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. A celebration of life will take place later that evening, with details available upon request. Jim's legacy of love, music, and adventure will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to share your favorite pictures and memories on his Facebook page, for us all to see.