James "Jim" Carl Brasher

October 10, 1968 – August 1, 2026

James “Jim” Brasher, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2026, at the age of 57.

Jim was, quite simply, one of the good ones. He had an enormous heart and a generosity that came naturally to him. If someone needed help, Jim was there—often before they even had to ask. He was dependable, hardworking, fiercely loyal and genuinely kind. He found humor in everyday life, was quick to smile and had a wonderful sense of humor that those who knew him will never forget.

Jim was born on October 10, 1968, at St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and was raised in St. Clair Shores, the community he called home throughout much of his life. He was affectionately known as “Jamie” to family and childhood friends—a name many of those closest to him continued to call him throughout his life. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1986, forming friendships during those years that would last a lifetime. Jim would have celebrated his 40th high school reunion this August, a milestone that now carries special meaning for the classmates and friends who knew and loved him.

Jim’s love for his family was immeasurable. He was a devoted son and brother, sharing a special bond with his younger brother Erik, earning Jim the affectionate title of “brother bear”. Jim deeply loved his daughter Sabrina and was incredibly proud of the woman she became. Father and daughter shared many of the same qualities that made Jim so special: generous hearts, deep loyalty, kindness and a willingness to give to others. As Sabrina was growing up, they spent countless hours together outdoors, hunting, fishing and sharing an appreciation for animals and nature that became part of the bond between them.

Above all else, Jim loved deeply. As a husband, he was loving, kind, supportive and protective. To his wife, Karyn, he was the love of her life, her safe place—the person beside whom she always knew she was loved.

Their story began long before they became husband and wife. Karyn first met Jim around 1986, when they were just 15 and 18 years old. Jim was a close friend of Karyn’s future brother-in-law, Rob, and often spent time at her family’s home. At that time, life took Jim & Karyn in different directions. More than two decades later, they reconnected through Facebook, and when they met again, it was as though no time had passed. Old feelings quickly returned, and this time the timing was right.

Jim proposed during a family trip to New Orleans in November 2012, and he and Karyn married in September 2014. They would have celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary this fall. More than anything, they simply loved being together. They traveled whenever they could, enjoyed dining out and discovering new foods, and shared a fondness for good bourbon. Jim was also known to appreciate a good cigar, especially while gathering with friends for an “Ash Wednesday” cigar night.

Travel was one of their great joys. Among their favorite places was Biloxi, Mississippi, where they loved the beautiful Gulf waters, wonderful seafood—especially Jim’s beloved oysters—and spending time with Karyn’s cousins, who embraced Jim wholeheartedly as one of their own.

The outdoors was always one of Jim’s happiest places. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved escaping “up north” to Karyn’s family’s cabin in northern Michigan, where the woods and quiet offered a welcome retreat from the busyness of everyday life.

Jim was also an avid golfer and bowler and participated in leagues for both. One of his proudest accomplishments came in December 2021, when he bowled a perfect 300 game and an 800 series—an achievement worthy of the pride he took in it.

Jim devoted 33 years of his life to his job at Stellantis, formerly Chrysler/FCA, where he worked until the day of his passing. He was a member of UAW Local 1248 and was an incredibly hard worker who was well-respected by the coworkers and friends he came to know over more than three decades. Many of those relationships grew far beyond the workplace into lasting friendships.

Jim was a proud American who deeply loved his country and valued the Constitution and the freedoms it protects. One of the great honors of his life came in 2018, when he was invited to Washington, D.C., as a guest of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the State of the Union address. During an unforgettable visit, Jim & Karyn had the opportunity to meet the President in the Oval Office, spend time in the White House, and meet the First Lady, Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence. Jim rode in the presidential motorcade to the U.S. Capitol and attended the State of the Union from the First Lady’s guest box. For Jim, a devoted supporter of President Trump and a man who loved his country, the experience was an extraordinary honor and remained one of the proudest and most treasured memories of his life.

Loyalty was one of the defining qualities of Jim’s life. When he cared about someone, he cared about them for the long haul. He treasured friendships that stretched back to his school days, built lasting bonds with coworkers over his 33-year career, and welcomed Karyn’s family into his heart as completely as his own. Jim had a remarkable way of holding on to the people he loved. Through the years and all the changes life brought, those relationships mattered deeply to him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karyn; his daughter, Sabrina; his mother, Tina-Marie; his brother, Erik, and nieces Gwendolyn and Vivian; his aunts, Juliann Kline Munro and Fran Kline; his uncle Eddy (Adele) Kline and many cherished cousins and lifelong friends.

He was also deeply loved by Karyn’s family: her mother, Joyce Delier; sisters Marci (Rob) Coon and Liane (Chris) Brazis; nieces Emily Coon and Allison (Mitchell) Dacey; nephew Ben (Savannah) Brazis; as well as extended family who never thought of Jim as an “in-law,” but simply as family.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James, and his beloved daughter, Adrianna.

And, of course, there is Brady. Jim dearly loved his dog and faithful companion, who held his own very special place in Jim’s heart and in their home.

Jim’s faith was a quiet but enduring foundation throughout his life. Raised in the Catholic faith, he was baptized and confirmed in the Church and believed deeply in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Jim and Karyn never left behind the faith in which they were raised or their belief in God’s promise of eternal life. His family takes comfort now in that faith and in the hope that Jim has been welcomed home into the loving arms of his Savior.

It is impossible to capture the whole of Jim’s life in a few paragraphs. His legacy is found in the people he loved, the people he helped, the friendships he kept, the family he cared for, the work he took pride in and the countless acts of kindness for which he never expected recognition.

Those who loved Jim will remember his kindness, his smile and sense of humor; the outdoorsman, golfer and bowler; the bourbon and cigars; the oysters and adventures; his love of country; and the friend who could always be counted on. But most of all, they will remember his heart.

Jim made the people he loved feel safe, cared for and important. He was deeply loved, and he loved deeply in return. For those fortunate enough to have known him, the world will never be quite the same without him. He will be missed beyond words and loved forever.

Memorial Service

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081. Guests will be received from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial prayer service at 3:00 p.m. honoring Jim’s faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.