Thomas R. Brunsch

Tom was born on August 20, 1951, to Virginia Gerdes and Harold Brunsch. After Tom graduated from Dearborn High in 1970, he went on to U of M Dearborn. He began his career at BASF as a chemist. In 2006, Tom opened Jimmy John’s in Jackson, MI. He was passionately involved with the store for 18 years, until his retirement in 2024. Tom then consulted and helped guide his sons, Scott and Patrick, in running the store until his death.

Tom was a dedicated father to his two sons, Scott (Erin) Brunsch and Patrick (Sara) Brunsch. Tom was also a doting grandfather to two grandchildren, Grace and Logan.

In 2024, Tom stepped back from Jimmy John’s to focus on retirement. Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, and beekeeping. He was a passionate U of M football fan, having held season tickets for many years. Tom had begun growing his coin collection and attended coin shows regularly.

Tom was predeceased by his father, Harold, and his mother, Virginia. He is survived by siblings, Jeff (Judy) Brunsch, Doug (Michelle) Brunsch, Janet (Howard) Donnelly, and Doug (Phyllis) Gerdes and sons, Scott (Erin) Brunsch, Patrick (Sara) Brunsch, his grandchildren Grace and Logan, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, with a sharing of memories at 7:00 PM. An in state will occur Friday, March 28, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 14175 Farmington Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48154, followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Michigan Beekeepers Association or Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church.