James "Jim" E Bruns

James E. “Jim” Bruns, age 80, of Crete, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Beloved husband of 54 years to Linda R. Bruns (née Isaacson). Loving father of Denny Bruns, Steve (Carrie) Bruns, and Randy (Natalie) Bruns. Cherished grandfather of Kelsey, Emily, Amanda, Nora, and Ben Bruns. Dear brother of Carol (Dan) Hoger and caring uncle of Joanna (Tony) Battaglia. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him — including the family’s loyal border collie, Maggie. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Margaret Bruns.

A proud United States Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War, Jim dedicated more than 40 years to the banking industry, retiring as Vice President of Lending at First United Bank. He was an active and longtime member of the Crete Lions Club, where he found great joy in serving his community. Jim had a lifelong love of gardening, especially growing vegetables to share with family and friends. He was also an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering faithfully for the Detroit Tigers, the Chicago Bears, the Duke University Blue Devils, and his alma mater, Crete-Monee High School.

Memorial Gathering: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until time of Memorial Service 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1393 Elizabeth St, Crete, IL 60417. Interment with military honors: Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., meeting directly at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL 60421. (please arrive at cemetery by 12:15)

Arrangements entrusted to Smits – Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd, Steger, IL 60475. For more information, please call 708-755-6100 or visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.smitsfh.com.