James Verlin Brustuen was born on October 4, 1950, at Graceville to Ole E. and Verna E. (Arndt) Brustuen. He was baptized and confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Jim attended country school at Drywood Country School through the sixth grade and graduated from Appleton High School in 1968. After this he attended Alexandria Technical School and received a degree in production agriculture in 1970.Jim worked at the Appleton Creamery until 1973. On October 26, 1974, he was married to Claudia Ann Fernholz at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Madison. After their marriage they farmed in Hegbert Township until 1999. Jim started a tackle business, K-B Tackle, in 1999. They moved into Appleton in 2000 and Jim worked for a short time at Don's Food Pride and did some baking at Peg's Place. He also ran a rock picking crew for a few summers.He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, bowling, softball, baking and cooking, and watching football and baseball games. Jim loved his animals and kept the birds and squirrels in the neighborhood happy. He always had a dog and cats. These last years he was especially fond of his Black Lab, Lena, and his two cats, Luke and Libby. He enjoyed dog sitting for his buddy "Chopper". Jim was blessed with many good friends, both young and old. He enjoyed hosting "Bunnafest" and his many fish fries. Jim was a very caring person. He had a great sense of humor and was a good husband, brother, son, uncle, cousin, and friend.Jim was a former member of Good Shepherd Lutheran church where he served on the church council. He was presently a member of Zion Lutheran Church and served on the adult activities committee. In his younger years he was active with the 4-H. Jim died on Sunday afternoon, April 11th, at Appleton Area Health Services. He had attained 59 years, 6 months, and 7 days of age.He is survived by his wife, Claudia; two brothers: Orville (Koreen) Brustuen of Appleton and Jerry (Lori) Brustuen of Lake Lillian; seven brothers and sisters-in-law: Mike (Judy) Fernholz, Rollie (Kathee) Fernholz, Leo (Patty) Fernholz, Tina (Allan) Thompson, Boomer (Joan) Fernholz, Ken (Pam) Fernholz, and Dan (Karla) Fernholz; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Verna Brustuen; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
