James Edward Bruegenhemke

James Edward “Jim” Bruegenhemke, a man of deep faith, unwavering love, and soft-spoken mighty strength, passed surrounded by the love of his family, on March 20, 2026, at the age of 94. For nearly a century, Jim has led a simple life filledwith examples, leaving behind a legacy of impactful life lessons and memories that will forever be with us. While his passing leaves a quiet space in our hearts, his memory leaves his family and friends with comfort from his lifetime of quiet, yet mighty examples of love and devotion.

Jim was born on September 2, 1931, in Edina, MO to his parents, John and Gladys Bruegenhemke. He grew up to become the anchor of five children, uniquely positioned as the middle child between two older brothers, Leo and Frances (Frank), and two younger sisters, Christine and Bernadine. Jim looked up to his two brothers, and learned from their experiences. He often credited them for helping him define his own path. He later became the proud, protective older brother to his younger sisters.

In Jim’s youth, he grew up on his grandparents’ farm near Edina, northeast of Baring, MO. From the humble, simple beginnings of a one-room country school house, called the Dailing School, to his 1949 senior graduation from St. Joseph High School, Jim was a pillar of his small-town community. Whether he was behind the plate as a fast-pitch softball catcher or sinking his two-handed set shot he was known for on the basketball court, he played with the same quiet intensity that defined his life and his character. Jim’s character also earned him the role of senior class treasurer and awarded him the Edina Lion’s Club, “Best Young Citizen of the Year”, which was based on demonstrating outstanding citizenship, community service and character - early honors that rooted his foundation of the lifelong character of the man of integrity he would become.

He was employed with the Stanley Engineering Company of Muscatine, Iowa from 1949 until the spring of 1951. He enlisted in the Air Force on April 27, 1951, and spent most of his enlisted time in Hawaii. When he enlisted he took several tests which eventually led him to his path of being an aircraft mechanic. Jim did well, worked hard, was smart; had two stripes before getting out of his schooling, and earned his third stripe within his first three years of service. He kept his nose to the grindstone, knew how to get his hands dirty, and knew what a wrench was because of his time growing up on the family farm, while a lot of the other guys didn’t know what tools were. Others liked Jim, and his Master Sergeant liked him and fought for him as well. Before leaving the service, he was one test/stripe away from Tech Sergeant before coming home. Jim's knowledge, his experiences from growing up on the farm, his patience and hard-work ethic molded him into the stature of the kind man he was.

He was discharged from the Air Force April 6, 1955. He immediately returned to his hometown of Edina and became a proud owner of his new Sea Mist Green 1955 Chevy. It could have been his good looks or the 55 Chevy that caught the eye of Betty Killday. It was the beginning of a long-lasting love story.

The year 1956 was a foundational one for Jim. On April 28, he began a 67-year journey of love and devotion to his wife, Betty. Just one month later, he graduated from Parks College on May 29, and by July 31, he had launched his lifelong career as an aircraft mechanic with Ozark Airlines.

Over the next 38 years in the airline industry, Jim became known for his patience, meticulous skill and steady work ethic. He dedicated 30 years to Ozark Airlines before transitioning to Trans World Airlines (TWA) following their merger, where he served his remaining eight years until his retirement on July 31, 1994.

As his career soared, so did his family. Jim and Betty built a beautiful life together across St. Louis and St. Charles before settling into O’Fallon, as their family grew to include seven children—Eddie, Mary Beth, Jerry, Donna, Diane, Jim, and Mark. They became pillars of the O’Fallon community and faithful members of Assumption School and Parish for over 67 years. Jim was a member of the PTA at Assumption School for over 21 years, a member of the Assumption Men’s Sodality, and the CYC Athletic Association, and had become an Honorary Life Member of the Knights Of Columbus for his over 75 years of dedication and service to the Knights of Columbus. Fifty of those 75 years were dedicated to the O’Fallon Council # 2269 where he was a 4th Degree Knight, served as Grand Knight, was awarded the Knight of the Year service award, and built years of lasting and loving friendships. Throughout all his years of dedication and service, he also managed to help coach his children’s basketball and little league baseball teams.

From their first custom-built home in Forest Park subdivision, to the long-time family residence on Sunset Lane, to Jim and Betty’s final move to Winter Park Drive they created a sanctuary and legacy for their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Through every move and every new addition, Jim’s steady presence proved that home was wherever his family gathered.

A man of quiet but profound conviction, Jim’s faith was the compass of his life. He didn’t just speak his beliefs; he lived them through his decades of service and in the way he cherished his family and friends. He taught us that strength isn't found in loud words, but in the steady, unwavering devotion to the people and the God he loved. While he will be deeply missed, we take comfort knowing he has been welcomed home with the same peace he gave to all of us.

Jim is survived by his children, Eddie (April) Bruegenhemke of Edina, MO; MaryBeth (Paul) Renaud of Old Monroe, MO; Jerry (Linda) Bruegenhemke of Cottleville, MO; Donna (Steve) Mulherin of O’Fallon, MO; Diane (Kevin) Gilbert of Wentzville, MO; Jim (Jane) Bruegenhemke of Wentzville, MO; and Mark (Kim) Bruegenhemke of Wentzville, MO. Jim is survived by 31 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, his sisters Christine Buckman and Bernadine Smith, and three sisters-in-law, Carol Ann Killday, Linda Killday, and Mary Carol Early, and brother-in-law, Dr. Michael Early.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John William Bruegenhemke, Jr, and Gladys Elise (Kanitz) Bruegenhemke, his wife, Theresa Elizabeth (Killday) Bruegenhemke, his grandson, Adam “AJ” Renaud, and his brothers Leo Bruegenhemke and Francis (Frank) Bruegenhemke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested as Mass intentions or donations in Jim’s name to: Assumption Parish 403 N. Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366 or St. Joseph Church, 509 Main Street, Edina, MO 6353