James Douglas Bruton, 96, of San Antonio, TX, peacefully left this earth to be with our Lord and Savior on February 26, 2025. Jim was born January 18, 1929 to Eugene “Paul” and Mary Ellen Bruton, and raised on a farm in Fayetteville NC, along with nine brothers and sisters: Mary Evelyn Campfield, David Pearl Bruton, Elizabeth “Lib” Webb, Eunice Baker, Elmer Bruton, Cecil Clifford Bruton, William “Bill” Haywood Bruton, Betty Ann Anderson, and Donald Graham Bruton.
After graduating from Seventy-First High School in Fayetteville, NC, Jim served his country as an NCO in the US Army in Alaska, Japan and Korea.
Returning to civilian life, Jim met the love of his life, Helen Alfreda Selmer, as the two stood up as best man and maid of honor at the wedding of mutual friends. Jim and Helen were married at Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois, on June 6, 1953. With the GI Bill, Jim finished his undergraduate degree at Lake Forest College with a baccalaureate in History in 1957. He then attended University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, graduating May 1960 and was ordained shortly thereafter. Jim pastored several churches. Among them, Canton Presbyterian Church, Richland Prairie Presbyterian Church, both in Minnesota and First Presbyterian Church, Aplington, Iowa. And later, Bethany Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, Texas.
Jim and Helen created a vibrant family of seven precious children; five adopted from various countries alongside two biological children. As an Army chaplain, Jim brought his family with him to his various postings across the country and two tours of duty in Germany. From there, they traveled to many European countries, meeting and befriending the people and enjoying the local customs.
Due to the Vietnam conflict, Jim felt called to pastor the young troops serving there. As a chaplain, he served in the 2nd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Jim conducted Easter Sunrise Services near Dong Tam. A picture of the Service was picked up by the press and circulated around the country.
During his military career, Jim obtained his master's degree in sociology.
Ending an accomplished military career at the Main Post Chapel, Ft. Sam Houston, Jim retired, having achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Jim is survived by his devoted and dedicated friend Les Besetsny, who had the privilege of knowing him for 34 remarkable years. Throughout their friendship, they shared countless highs and lows, navigating life's journey together. Les was by his side until the very end, a constant source of support, love, and companionship.
Jim is also survived by his children, Deborah (Chris) Fox, Robert (Patricia) Bruton, Denise (Larry) McHaney, and Dane (Christine) Bruton; grandchildren, Nicole Fox, Jessica (Michael) Moore, Katherine Bruton, Lauren (Andrew) Childers, Peter (Bailee) McHaney, Brian McHaney, Grant McHaney, and Kirby Rosser; and great-grandchildren Luna & Emmet.
Carrying on his memory as well are niece, Mary Mac (Z D.) Jackson; nephew, Clyde (Flora) Webb, Jr.; grandniece, Audra (Joe) Lubawski (who was the apple of his eye); grandniece Paula (Wayne) May; grandniece, Elizabeth Akins (David), and great-grand-niece Brooke (Chris) Kuppler.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; their children, Patricia Ann Bruton, Mark Dennis Bruton, & Peter Shawn Bruton; parents, Eugene “Paul” and Mary Ellen Bruton; and great-nephew Dee Jackson.
Although Jim was widowed for almost two decades, he often commented to Denise it felt to him that her mother was still living and breathing - just beyond his sight.
Jim prospered in his retired years and lived life to its fullest with Les, enjoying family, friends and his beloved doggies. Trips to the beach and around the country far and wide were always happening, but home life was his favorite. In later years, after Helen’s passing, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart Evelyn Blanton.
The loving heart and soul of Jim continued to be reflected by his generous support of charities and organizations that ranged from helping build homes for families in desperate need in foreign countries, to military veterans dealing with the aftermath of war, to animals suffering from abandonment and abuse. His heart was as big as his spirit, and he always believed in giving back to the world in meaningful ways.
His two doggies, Caesar and Zeba, were his pride and joy and gave him great comfort and happiness. He never wanted to be away from the house for any extended period of time because he didn’t want them to be left alone.
In the summer of 2024, he took an RV trip to Fayetteville, North Carolina with Les, Dane and his doggies. Jim was thrilled to be able to reconnect with family and friends. It was an amazing trip that created memories of a lifetime for Les and Dane.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to physical therapist Marissa Martinez from Atlas Health, Christine Ramirez from Trinity Hospice and Laura Porras from The Key for their exceptional care, love and support of Jim. Their dedication and kindness have meant the world to us during this time.
Jim's life was a testament to faith, love, and service. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who were touched by his kindness and generosity. May he rest in peace, knowing his legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family will welcome friends and family for a visitation from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Porter Loring Mortuary North. The service will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, with a reception following. A graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
