James W. Brady

BRADY, James W.
of Kalamazoo Passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Wynwood of Portage. "As I grew too old to dream, I always had her in my heart and as you grow too old to dream I would hope you would have she and I in your hearts" - Jim. He always had a "twinkle" in his eye, a smile on his face and an optimism for life. Jim was naturally loved by all who knew him. Born on November 14, 1914, in Kalamazoo, he was the son of William and Mary Brady. He played football at Kalamazoo Central High School from 1931-32. At age 22 he began his career at Fingers Furs in downtown Kalamazoo. In 1940, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Finger, who preceded him in death in 2004. Their happy marriage lasted 64 years. He received from The Vogel Design Company in New York "The Award for Outstanding Design for Furs"!! As a downtown businessman he served many community activities. As a member of the Downtown Kalamazoo Association, he was instrumental in promoting what would become the Kalamazoo Center. He was particularly proud of his nine years of service on the Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals. His interests were his family first, followed by golf, baseball, boating, and history. He was known to enjoy a good cigar. For 16 years he was President of the Civil War Round Table. Surviving James are his son, James S. Brady II, of Portage; Lori Young-Brady, beloved daughter-in-law, of Portage; and grandson-pal, James S. Brady III; special nieces and nephews, Paul VanderBor, Sally Clarence Bruce, William Teresa Grogg, Ruth Dykens, Gordon Barbara Dykens, and Kathy Grogg; and special friend, Char Crouch. Preceding James in death were his parents; mother and father-in-law, Samuel Claire Finger; sisters, Sister Eileen Brady, Helen Dykens, and Pauline Grogg; brother, Thomas Brady; niece and nephews, Sandra VanderBor, Richard Dykens, and Terry Grogg. Family will greet friends on Thursday, from 4-7:00 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Services will take place Friday, 10:00, at Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park St. A private family committal service will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. A special thank you to the friends and staff at Wynwood of Portage. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book, and condolences.