Jim Van Brienen

Loving husband of Vivian for 63 years. Dear father of Monica (Albert) Kapolka and Eric (Kimberly) Van Brienen. Beloved grandfather of Robin (Shaun), Anthony, Devon (Meghan) and Trevor (Rachel). Cherished great grandfather of Joslyn, Vivyanne, Grant, Elijah, Riley, Violet, Lincoln and Logan. Dear brother of Jerry (Cathy) and John. He is predeceased by his brothers, Dennis (Sandy), Richard and Curt. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Jim was a longtime member of Our Lady of Hope Parish in St. Clair Shores. He was a choir member for several years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Vismara Council 3725 in St. Clair Shores.

James was the oldest of 6 brothers. He always joked that he was number one. He was also a Christmas Eve baby. We always did our best to celebrate his birthday on his birthday, and with birthday wrapping paper. His Christmas presents were always wrapped in Christmas paper. Jim had many nicknames like Jim, Jimmy, Butch, Duke, Van and Jungle Jim. He would answer to them all.

He met the love of his life through their dear friend Mary. They were inseparable for over 65 years and married for 63 of those glorious years. They never argued, they had disagreements but always talked things out.

His greatest accomplishment in life was being called Dad, Grandpa, & Great Grandpa. He loved his family so much. He always had a story to share with everyone at the drop of a hat about anyone in his family. He was so proud of them all.

When they moved into their new home/neighborhood, that would be the start of some of their best friendships. The ones still here keep in touch. The ones in heaven are having a great big party. They had the best block parties anyone could imagine, the best weekend canoe trips, picnics, casino trips. You name it, they did it. Everyone was more than just friends, they became family.

Jim worked for Chrysler for over 30 years. He was a proud Supervisor for the best group of people on the docks.

Did anyone say dancing…oh boy could Jim & Viv dance. If there was a dance floor everyone always knew where to find these two. If music was playing you could see them start moving to the beat. They won several dance contests and even strangers came up to Viv to ask to be able to dance with Jim.

Jim loved watching the Tigers, Lions and Pistons. He could watch any sport and know everything about it and the players. He also loved going out to eat. Every vacation that they took, he couldn’t wait to tell everyone about the meals he had. When they played cards with their friends there was always a restaurant stop first then back to whoever’s house for cards and dessert. He also enjoyed his daily mass and rosary time. That was the best part of his day.

Jim lived a beautiful, blessed life full of joy and love. He was always positive and ready to tell you a joke. Jim will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, MI 48088, US, on September 8, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will take place at 7:00 PM.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 28301 Little Mack Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081, US, on September 9, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at Our Lady of Hope Parish from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.