James Arthur Bruce Sr.

JAMES ARTHUR BRUCE, SR. loving Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Friend, Teacher and Coach passed peacefully on Thursday May 24, 2018 at the age of 92. He was born on December 16, 1925, in Flint, Michigan to Peter and Christina Bruce.

After graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in history. Jim obtained a job teaching history and coaching football in North Branch, Michigan. There he met the love of his life, Margaret, a kindergarten teacher in North Branch. Many of their students and football players remained lifelong friends.

After their marriage, Jim and Margaret moved to Flint, Michigan, where Jim worked for the Parks and Recreation Department in several different capacities. After obtaining a Master’s of Business Administration Degree from Michigan State University, Jim accepted the position of Superintendent of Parks and Recreation for the City of Flint. In that capacity, he ordered the installation of the first Astroturf in the country at Atwood Stadium.

After retiring from the Flint Parks and Recreation Department, Jim volunteered for over eighteen months to organize the spectacular Bicentennial Celebration in Flint on July 4, 1976.

Jim then accepted a position as a Professor of Parks and Recreation at Michigan State University where he developed a national internship program for the students, providing them with work experience at national parks, destination amusement parks, zoos, aquariums and many other opportunities. Jim was very active in both the National Parks and Recreation Association and the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association. In 2006, he was honored to be inducted into the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association Hall of Fame.

Jim and Margaret were active, life-long members of First Presbyterian Church in Flint, Michigan. Jim served the church in many capacities, including as elder, deacon and usher.

Jim enjoyed watching sports, as well as discussing politics and history with his grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews. He particularly loved watching his beloved Michigan State Spartans and was a long-standing member of the Coach’s club.

Jim was predeceased by Margaret his deeply loved wife of 64 years. In addition, Jim is survived by his loving children, Deborah Bruce Boyd (Wayne), of Port St. Lucie, Florida and James Bruce, Jr. (Amy) of Sanford, Florida, his much beloved grandchildren, Angela Dean (Carl), Adam Boyd (predeceased), Katlynn Bruce and James Bruce. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and numerous life-long and recent friends.

Viewing will be held at Baldwin-Fairchild funeral home, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, Florida on Monday June 4, 2018 at 12:00. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 with a grave-side service immediately thereafter.