James Alvin Bruso

BRUSO, JAMES A. “JIM”, of Waterford, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at 71 years of age. Jim was the loving husband of Jeanette (née Polzinetti) for 30 years; devoted father of James (Melissa) Bruso and Paul (Tami) Bruso; cherished grandfather of Elizabeth, Taylore, Alyson, Harmony, Dylan, and Kimberly. He was the beloved brother of Jan (George) Woodley; dear brother-in-law of Dorothy Lind, Maria Golonski, Lisa (Peter) Galvin, John Polzinetti, and Mark (Karen) Polzinetti. He is also survived by the mother of his sons, Paula Bruso. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Harold “Russ” and Marjorie (née McCue) Bruso and his brother, John Bruso.

Born and raised in Massena, New York, Jim earned an associate’s degree and went on to build a long and respected 35-year career as a designer and design manager with Delphi Technologies. His dedication and work ethic led him and Jeanette to relocate to Michigan when Delphi transferred operations, where he continued to work until his retirement in 2009. Never one to fully retire, Jim enjoyed staying active—working with an estate sale company and later at Lowe’s—where his helpful nature and wide-ranging skills were appreciated by all.

Jim was a man of deep faith and a devoted member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church. He served in many roles—head usher, Eucharistic Minister, and sacristan—and was proud to be a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Known for his resourcefulness and ability to fix just about anything, Jim was the steady, capable person everyone could rely on.

Outside of work and service, Jim loved the simple joys of life. He enjoyed camping, golfing (in his unique style—right-handed, but always golfing left-handed), and spending countless hours working on his beloved ’57 Chevy. He treasured taking fall color tours around Michigan, visiting lighthouses along the shoreline, and making stops at cider mills during the autumn season. He took great pride and joy in planning surprise anniversary trips for he and Jeannette. These trips were some of his happiest memories, shared with those he loved most.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 5481 Dixie Hwy, Waterford, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Waterford. Family will receive friends on Thursday from 3–7:30 PM at COATS FUNERAL HOME – WATERFORD with Knights of Columbus Rosary Thursday at 7 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Lakes, 5481 Dixie Hwy, Waterford Township, MI 48329. To post a tribute, please visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.

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