James “Jim” Frank Bruce

James “Jim” Frank Bruce, loving husband of Vicki Staley Bruce, passed away on May 19, 2011 in Brenham, Texas, with his loving family at his side. Jim, 60, was born to David and Jeri Bruce on April 22, 1951 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
He was a 1969 graduate of Calallen High School and later received his Bachelor of Science from Abilene Christian College, his Master’s in Education from Prairie View A&M, and his Superintendent’s Certification from UH Victoria. Jim spent 36 years coaching, teaching, and serving in school administration for Brenham ISD, East Bernard ISD, Cuero ISD, and Tuloso-Midway ISD.

Jim’s life reflected his faith and love in Jesus Christ. He tenderly served as an Elder for the Brenham Church of Christ.

Jim is survived by his wife Vicki Staley Bruce of Brenham. He leaves three daughters, Brandy and Jeff Stehle of Mathis, Misty and Tim Bennett of San Antonio, Caydee and Sean Thompson of Austin, his father, Dr. David Lee Bruce, sister, Tami Bruce(Andy) Romero, and brother, Wayne Bruce, all of Corpus Christi, grandtwins, Rhett and Rhys Bennett, brother-in-loves Don Staley and wife Ruby, Rick Staley and wife, Sandra, sister-in-loves Betty Foulke and husband Stuart, Linda Bruce and numerous other relatives and close friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Jeri Bruce and his brother, David Jr.

Jim was born in Corpus Christi, graduated from Calallen High School, and went on to study education at Abilene Christian College. After graduation, Jim served as the Physical Education and Recreation Director at Richmond State School. While in Richmond he and Vicki married and had their first two daughters, Brandy and Misty. After that Jim taught and coached at Tuloso-Midway in Corpus Christi where their third daughter, Caydee, was born. Jim completed his mid-management and superintendent’s certification and was an administrator in Cuero, East Bernard and Brenham ISDs.
Jim was best known for his easy, laid back, demeanor. It was often said he had two speeds … slow and stop! Jim loved teaching and working with children and even led a mentally handicapped Boy Scout Troop. Jim was adamant about staying in excellent physical condition. He was disciplined about working out daily, and spent many hours running, biking, swimming, and lifting weights. He was most passionate about running and ran his first of many marathons at age 46. Jim loved going to the beach, camping, snow skiing, scuba diving, tubing the Comal, drinking Dr. Pepper, playing dominoes, going to the College World Series, and eating peanut butter out of the jar!
Of all the things Jim loved, the Lord was at the top of his list. Jim served as an elder at The Graeber Road and Brenham Churches of Christ. He taught Bible classes, Children’s Bible Hour, and served as a counselor at Camp Bandina Christian Youth Camp. Jim led a small group Bible study in his home and developed personal relationships with many. He had a way of making others feel important and loved.
Jim was a Godly man who inspired everyone around him to live out their high calling in God. Jim’s legacy of goodness and grace lives on through many. Jim’s family would like to thank you for sharing in this celebration of his life.


A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 23 at 4:30 p.m. at the Brenham High School Auditorium. The Bruce family will receive friends at The Brenham Memorial Chapel from 5 until 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 22.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Brenham Church of Christ Children’s Ministry.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel 2300 Stringer St., Brenham 979.836.3611 or visit our www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com.