Jim Brenner, who has been a trustee on the Martin Township Board for more than three decades, died Sunday. He was 67.
A Shelbyville area farmer for many years, he was a graduate of Martin High School.
Born June 7, 1950, in Plainwell, he was the son of the late Raymond George and Norma Josephine (Grinage) Brenner and was the husband of Debra Ann (Weick) Brenner.
James was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hopkins. He served on the Martin Township Board for more than 30 years and had been a strong advocate for the Martin Fire Department.
James was a proud dairy farmer, having earned many awards and recognitions for the Holstein herd that he and his father grew and developed. After selling the farm, he started a cattle trucking business which he successfully operated for 20 years, turning it over to his youngest son just before his passing.
He was an avid hunter and especially enjoyed hunting trips out west with his father, and up north with his father-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was known by all to be a man of the highest integrity, work ethic, generosity, and fairness, who always appreciated a good story.
He loved watching Michigan football and the Detroit Tigers. Above all else, James adored spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Besides his wife of 41 years, James is survived by his children, Michelle (Joshua) Douglas, Melanie Brenner (Lonnie Young), Travis (Kathryn) Brenner and Tyler Brenner; his siblings, Jan (Steve) Johnson, Julie Spencer, Joy Brenner (Joe Henry) and Ray (Sarah) Brenner; his grandchildren, Marek Douglas, Meara Douglas and Olive Brenner; and his father-in-law Robert Weick.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Pastor Donald Seelhoff will officiate. Burial will take place in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2906 24th Street, Hopkins, MI 49328; or to the Martin Fire Department, 999 Templeton Street, Martin, MI 49070.
