James Robert (Jim) Brainerd

JAMES ROBERT (JIM) BRAINERD, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 16, 1941, in Springfield, Illinois, he was the son of Robert and Mary (Christianson) Brainerd. He was raised in Portage, Wisconsin, and moved to Fort Wayne in 1959. He met the love of his life, Cheri, by simply holding the door open for her after church one day. They were married April 18, 1964, at St. Jude's Catholic Church. Jim worked his whole life as a carpenter, starting his career with Robert Houser and Sons, and retiring from Michael Kinder and Sons Construction in 2003. Jim will be remembered for his amazing laugh, great sense of humor, his relentless loyalty to his family and friends, his passion for woodworking, and as a fervent man of faith. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Cheri. He is survived by his children, Suzanne Lange, Mary (Phil Barrett) Brainerd, and Rob (Kelly) Brainerd; grandchildren, Lindsey Jefferson, Zachary Bates, Shelby and Carson Lange, and Jessica Davidson; and his sisters, Susan Pittenger and Julie (Jerry) Monahan, sister-in-law, Diane (Larry) Kocon, and amazing friends. Mass of Christian burial is 10 a.m., October 11, 2017, Wednesday at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 1515 Barthold Street, with visitation one hour prior to service. Visitation also from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 N. Wells St. Burial in the Catholic Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Most Precious Blood Catholic Church or School.