Dr. James Robert Brunk, Sr. Obituary (1926 - 2015)

Dr. James R. Brunk Sr. 89 Harrisonburg James (Jim) Robert Brunk, Sr., MD son of Harry Anthony Brunk, Sr. and Lena Gertrude Burkholder Brunk died December 3, 2015 at Oak Lea of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Born in his grandfather's house on Weaver Avenue in 1926, he grew up in Park View and attended Park School and Eastern Mennonite School. He served in the Civilian Public Service in Dennison, Iowa; Powellville, Maryland and Missoula, Montana where he proudly served in the smoke jumpers. He also served on a cattleship carrying over 1500 animals to Europe with the Merchant Marines. Upon his return from public service, he graduated from Eastern Mennonite College and was the first medical student from EMC to be accepted to the graduate program of medicine at the University of Virginia, where he received his medical degree. He worked seven years at the Blue Ridge Sanatorium in Charlottesville, VA. Jim also completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Virginia. He worked in student health at UVA until moving to Harrisonburg, VA in 1963 to join the practice of Drs. John and Jean Wine. He continued to practice internal medicine in Harrisonburg until his retirement mid 1990s. He helped start a Coronary Care Unit and the Respiratory Therapy Department at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Jim served as clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at UVA. He was founding member of Charlottesville Mennonite Church and was a member of the Chicago Avenue Mennonite Church, which became Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, since 1963. He was a member of the Gideon's International. In retirement, he used his skills in carpentry with the Mennonite Disaster Service and the Brethren Mennonite Cultural Museum. He was an accomplished watercolor artist. He served 20 years in the National Ski Patrol. He truly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren exploring nature, art, sporting events, horseback riding, hunting and the gentle debate. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, whom he married July 10, 1948, Thelma Ketterman Brunk and four children: Bob and Keri Sue Brunk, Harrisonburg; Beth and Robert Bergey of Hellerton, PA; John and Juli Brunk of Sarasota, FL; and Don and Becky Brunk of Bellingham, WA; 11 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 2 step-great grandchildren; two brothers, S. Frederick Brunk MD, Minnesota, Harry A. Brunk, Jr., Harrisonburg. Mr. Brunk was preceded in death by a brother David C. Brunk. Pastor Mark Keller and Dr. Myron Augsburger will conduct a memorial service Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. Burial will be private at Weavers Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, December 7, 2015 at Park View Mennonite Church from 6p.m. until 8p.m. Those wishing to view, may call at McMullen Funeral Home Monday until 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon's International, P.O. Box 144, Timberville, VA 22853 or to the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, 1552 S High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com.