James “Jim” Brunackey, age 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 5, 2025 in Plano, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen (Rokos) Brunackey, and his sister Barbara Brunackey.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Renee (Brunackey) Discher, and son-in-law, Steve; granddaughters, Kayla Discher and Kristina (Discher) Kern, and her husband, Seth; his brother, John “Jack” Brunackey, and his wife, Midori (Sekine) Brunackey; as well as his daughter, Andrea Brunackey.
Jim valued education, graduating from Holy Redeemer High School in Detroit and earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Detroit. He was an avid reader, a lifelong follower of local news and the Wall Street Journal and was always engaged in current events.
In 1968, he moved his family to Traverse City, a decision he called the best he ever made. A true entrepreneur, Jim owned and operated several businesses including J&M Sports and Holiday Hills in Traverse City and later founded Environmental Protection Products in Williamsburg. He enjoyed playing golf, boating, snowmobiling, and a friendly game of tennis or pickleball with family and friends. He loved playing euchre and socializing with his “REEBEROM” friends, hosting many memorable parties at his home. Jim was a devoted fan of Michigan sports, passionately following both the Detroit Lions and the University of Michigan football team.
Jim loved to travel the world, embarking on solo adventures to destinations such as the Beijing Olympics, Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. Above all, he cherished making memories with his granddaughters, visiting them wherever they were—from Michigan to Minnesota, Singapore to Sydney, or Thailand to Texas. He was always eager to spend time and share new experiences with his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano, Texas.
The service will also be live streamed at the following link:
Funeral-James Brunackey-Monday 1/13/2025-St Elizabeth Ann Seton