James Arthur Brenden

James Arthur Brenden, Gilbert, Arizona, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the age of 90 at Portobello Assisted Living Home, Mesa, Arizona, following a brief illness. Born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on June 25, 1920, the son of John and Anna Brenden, James graduated from Concordia College, MN, and earned his Masters degree from Drake University. He went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and the Presidential Unit Citation. James taught music several years in MN before moving to Douglas, Arizona where his career spanned 33 years teaching music and developing a top-ranked high school band program which earned him the affectionate nicknames “Mr. Music” and “The Music Man” of Douglas Public Schools. He was awarded the Distinguished Director’s Award by the First Chair of America and the Nunamaker Award for AZ band directors. Under his direction, the DHS Marching Band received Superior ratings for 14 consecutive years at University of Arizona Band Day.

James was active in local civic and professional groups, including the Rotary Club, the Community Concert Association, the Elks Club, the Douglas Bowling League, the local, state, and national education associations (DEA, AEA, NEA). Most recently he attended St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mesa; and attended St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Tucson for a number of years. He was a long term member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Douglas, where he served as choir director for many years. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and having coffee at Douglas Drug with friends; and fostered a love for the game of golf in his two sons.

He is survived by his two sons, James Arlen (Jim) Brenden, and wife Susan (Foresman); and Lloyd Douglas Brenden and wife Amanda (Lay), all of Mesa. He is further survived by his sister Alice Serkland (Moorhead, MN) and family; other relatives, and close friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Betty (2010); granddaughter Ericka (1974) daughter of Jim and Susan; and brothers Alvin, Kenneth, Lloyd, Johnnie; sister Evelyn; and brother-in-law, Chester Serkland.

A Memorial Service celebrating the lives of James and Betty Brenden is planned for 2:00 Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Mariposa Gardens, 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85206, 480-830-4422.; www.mariposagardens.com. Their final resting place will be the National Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona. The family respectfully suggests in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Mr. Jim Brenden’s name to the Douglas High School Band and Music Dept, to be used for students’ needs, or to charity of their choice.