James William Brunson, 49, of St. Petersburg, Florida died Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital. He made his debut on March 24, 1959, and was the first born to James W. Sr. and Romona Benson Brunson. Thereafter, the Brunsons had five daughters who all shared a mothering spirit for Jim, and he later was a great protector of his younger sisters. Jim served a brief stint with the Marine Corps before beginning his career as a CNA for various hospitals and nursing homes in Florida. Jim loved to spend his personal time with computers and was contemplating going to college to pursue a future in computer programming.

Jim was a special person who loved to help people, and was a loving son, uncle, and great-uncle who will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He was called home to walk with the Lord, and to soar like a free bird with the angels in Heaven.

Jim is survived by his mother, Romona, and step-father, Claude Harris of St. Petersburg, FL; a daughter, Jamie Brunson of Largo, Florida; his sisters: Claudia Harvey of St. Petersburg, FL, Jenny Smith of Danville, IL, Tammy Sperling of St. Petersburg, FL, Christina Harris of Pinellas Park, and Leann Harris of St. Petersburg, FL; a step-sister, Christine Lynch of Seminole, FL; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.

A memorial service will celebrate Jim’s life on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 11:30am from Bay Pines National Cemetery, and he will be interred there with his fellow comrades in arm. A gathering is planned at Palm Grove Village in Pinellas Park following the services.