James Bruin

On Sunday morning, June 7, 2015, a fine man left this world. James Leo Bruin was born March 17, 1926, in Joplin, Missouri. In 1930 the family moved to Roswell, a community he loved for the rest of his life.

After graduating Roswell High School Jim chose to serve his country Army Air Corp. He received his Bachelor's and Law degrees from the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. While in Colorado, he met Alice, whom he married on July 22, 1952.

Mr. Bruin was a retired attorney from the law firm of Sanders, Bruin, Coll, and Worley. Until very recently he and his dog, Bentley, would go to visit the office every day to say hi and get dog treats.

Jim spent much of his life representing and serving his hometown. He was the longest member of the Roswell Rotary Club, 58 years, and was the president 1962-1963. He was elected to the New Mexico State Senate in 1967 and served as the Minority Whip. From 1983 to 1991, representing Southeastern New Mexico, he was the New Mexico State Bar Commissioner for the 6th District. He was a fundraiser for the United Way, a member of the Chaves County Republican Party, and always ready to contribute to what he considered worthy causes.

Jim had a great love for music and was instrumental in establishing the Roswell Symphony Orchestra. For over 50 years he served in many different capacities on the RSO Board of Directors which included two terms as President from 1969-1971. Jim was an enthusiastic, fun loving supporter and was involved in every concert and fund raising event. If there were raffle tickets to be sold, it was well known and understood that Jim would outsell everyone else! Jim and his wife, Alice, reserved the same balcony seats throughout the years and even with advancing age he would insist on climbing the stairs, refusing to give up his favorite seats. Jim remained on the Board of Directors until his passing; and his influence, dedication, and humor will continue to shine upon the orchestra for years to come.

A loving father and uncle, a loyal friend to many, Jim will be greatly missed. His sense of humor guarantees that there will be many Jim Bruin stories told for years to come.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Alfred Bruin and Leina (Inie) Phegley Bruin; his wife, Alice B. Bruin; his son, James A. (Jay) Bruin; brother-in-law T. L. Gardner, Jr.; his sister, Geneva B. Gardner; and niece, Kaye Gardner. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Bruin; nieces, Mary Sue Gardner, Sally Gardner Giannini, and Nancy Gardner; Sally's husband, Bob Giannini; his great nephew, Ryan Gardner Smith, his wife, Katrina Tomas, and children, Ronin and Dresden; great niece, Jocelyn Smith, her husband, Peter Greydanus, and children, Mirabelle and Eda; his brother-in-law, Al Binkley, and his three sons, Cameron, Brock, and Clay Binkley, all of Denver; and his beloved dog, Bentley.
The family would like to thank Julie Adams and the many loving caregivers from Frontier Medical.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date.

If so desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Roswell Symphony Orchestra, 1717 W. Second Street, Suite 205, Roswell, NM 88203. He would have liked that.