James Michael Brodeur

He leaves his high school sweetheart of 65 years, Rosemary (Gardiner) Brodeur; his son, David Brodeur and his daughters Debi (Brodeur) Lucas and Diane (Brodeur) Lynsky. He also leaves his 7 grandchildren; Heather and James Brodeur; Jake, Josh and Jill Lucas; Ryan and Cheyenne Lynsky. He is also survived by his 7 great-grandchildren.

Born August 13, 1929 and raised in Warwick and Providence, RI, the son of the late Henry and Gertrude Brodeur, he was a resident of Warwick RI, Cypress, CA and San Jacinto, CA.

After graduating from Central High School in 1947, he met his future wife, Rosemary Gardiner, at a football game and they were married in 1951 in Warwick, RI. In 1947, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Yeoman Seaman First Class.

After serving with the U. S. Navy during the Korean Conflict (1951-1954) aboard the USS Howard D. Crow, he had the opportunity to re-join General Mills as a sales representative. Jim also went into business with his Step-father, Paul Casella and opened the Royal Char Broil restaurant in Warwick, RI. In 1959, he started with the John Hancock Insurance Company as a Regional Life Sales Agent. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. Over the years, his insurance expertise and reputation led him to be named one of the top Life Insurance Agents for both John Hancock and American States Insurance Co. where he later became the West Coast Regional Life Sales Manager.

Jim had a passion for music and was an accomplished drummer. He enjoyed big band, jazz and singers like Edie Gorme, Mel Torme and Perry Como.

An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Soboba Springs Country Club. He was an active member of the Warwick JayCees where he also served on their board. He was a very involved member of the Los Alamitos and Soboba Springs Men’s Clubs and he proudly served as the Vice-President of the Los Alamitos High School music program parents advisory board. Jim continued his active involvement with the Loma Linda Proton Treatment Center International Advisory Council.

A memorial will take place on December 12, 2016 at 12:45 pm at the Riverside National Cemetery followed by an informal reception at the Calimesa Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.