Elmer James ‘Jim’ Brawner, 78, of South Hutchinson, died August 20, 2020, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born May 29, 1942, in Reed Springs, MO, to Arlie William and Mildred (Whitaker) Brawner.
Jim attended Hutchinson High School and retired as manager of J.D. Auto Salvage, South Hutchinson, with over 40 years of service. He was a “Handyman of all Trades”, who enjoyed woodworking and rebuilding cars. His love for tinkering on projects was only exceeded by his love of being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Jim was an avid supporter of his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities, especially ballgames.
On June 29, 1961, he married Rita Faye Brown, in Hutchinson. They shared over 58 years of marriage, prior to her death on March 17, 2020.
Jim is survived by: his children, Todd (Ginny) Brawner, and Janine (Ted) Calvillo, all of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Trent (Amy) Brawner, Tiffany Brawner, Peter (fianceé, Michelle Gallo) Calvillo, Ryan Calvillo, and Abby Calvillo; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Jerry Brawner of Hutchinson, and Ronnie Brawner of Mason City, NE; and sister-in-law, Hazel Brawner of Hutchinson.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Rita Brawner; a grandchild; brothers, Delmar Brawner, Bill (Pat) Brawner, and Larry Brawner; sisters, Norma (John) Ardolino, and Clarissa (Jerry) Hoss; and sisters-in-law, Jan Brawner, and Patty Brawner.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Eldon Smith officiating. To view the funeral service online, the link will be available at the end of Jim’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website at 12:50 p.m. the day of the service. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2020, with the family present from 2 to 4 p.m., and 9 a.m. to service time Monday, August 24, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice House, Hutchinson, or Serenity Hospice Care, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.