James Joseph (Jim) Brennen Jr. aged 87, passed away peacefully on February 8 at Chicora Medical Center in Chicora, PA. Jim was born May 25, 1936, in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of James Joseph Brennen Sr. and Gayenell Kitty Farwell. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Mary Ann (Kelly) Brennen, of Sheraden, PA, and sister Gayenell Meixell, of Crafton Heights, PA.
Jim attended Harwood School (grammar) and graduated from Langley High School. In 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Mary Ann and settled in the small community of Thornburg, PA, to raise his family. In 1990, Jim and Mary Ann moved to Butler, PA where they were members of St. Conrads Catholic Church, part of All Saints Parish.
Jim was a talented athlete and competed at the High School level in both swimming and baseball. He passed his love of sports down to all five of his children and could typically be found coaching baseball in the summers to many of his son’s teams.
Jim was an Airman First Class and served in the Air Force Reserves. He was a career postal carrier in Pittsburgh, PA until his retirement in 1991. Jim loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. When not working, he could always be found sharing his passion for the outdoors with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Jim always had a smile on his face and could be easily identified by his unique laugh. He was devoted to his faith in Jesus Christ, Catholicism, his wife, and family.
Jim is survived by his sons James Brennen (Kristine) of Imperial, PA, Brett Brennen (Rosemarie) of Ebensburg, PA, Sean Brennen (Deana) of Tampa, FL, Ryan Brennen (Heather) of Chicora, PA, and daughter Meghan Brennen Smith (Hobie) of St. George, Utah, grandchildren, Jennie Floyd (Matt), Elizabeth Brennen, Christian Brennen (Brittany), Jami Brennen (Matt), Kruz Brennen, McKenzie Brennen, Blake Brennen, Hobie Smith, Wyatt Smith, Ryer Brennen, and Athena Kniess (Shane), as well as great grandchildren, Brooke, Cody, Roslyn, Evan, Aliza, Heath, Deagan, Miles, Ben, Eva, and Nora, plus one brother Patrick Brennen (Judy) of Morgantown, WV, one sister, Carol Brennen of Bridgeville, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 East North Street, Butler, PA 16001.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 10:00am, at All Saints Parish St. Conrad’s, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler, PA 16001, with Father Kevin Fazio, officiating.
A Military Service with Full Honors will follow after the funeral mass.
Burial will take place at Butler County Memorial Park.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Chicora Medical Center and all those who cared for Jim in the late stages of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 8180 Greensboro Dr., Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102 or online at www.alz.org.
All who knew James are encouraged to share their memories and upload photos to his unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.