James William Bryden

James William Bryden, age 86, formerly of St. Clair Shores MI, joined our heavenly father Friday, October 2nd, 2015. 

James had a very humble childhood and worked from a young age to support his ailing mother.  He applied himself to his piano and organ studies as well and continued his training into his freshman year at the St. Louis Conservatory.   Though he didn’t go on to become a professional musician, he became active with the Detroit Theatre Organ Society and enjoyed classical music his whole life.  By age 18 James acquired his pilot’s license and would begin saving to purchase his first aircraft.  Throughout his life he would fly Cessnas, Bonanzas, a pontoon and an amphibious plane. 

James served for several years in the U.S. Army stationed in Japan then Korea playing the field organ as a chaplain’s assistant.  He went on to earn his business degrees from MI State University.  It was there that he met his soon to be bride, Betty Hackleman.   They married in 1953.  After starting a family in 1959, James took over his father’s business as CEO of the Detroit Acoustical Contracting Company. 

Besides music, he decided to raise his family with another common hobby to rally around, boating.   Soon the family moved to lake front property where they became his “crew” for boating trips, sailing, iceboating and snowmobiling.   James filled his life with these water and ice sports, became attracted to walleye, muskie and coho salmon fishing and continued to enjoy playing the organ and flying.   James loved to entertain and enjoyed sharing his hobbies with family and friends.  The perfect weekend would wind down with guests enjoying an evening of cocktails and dancing while Jim entertained by performing on the organ.

James is survived by his son, Scott (Carol) Bryden; daughter, Kimberly (Jeff) Loch; grandchildren, Amy (Steve) Luttrell; Shawn (Johna) Bryden; and great grandchildren, Landon, Devin, Gavin and Kyle;   Johnathan and Cole Bryden.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and his brother, Elmer. 

Friends and family may visit at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St., Sylvania OH  43560 Sunday, October 11th, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 p.m.   Funeral services will be Monday, October 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Sylvania First United Methodist Church, 7000 Erie St., Sylvania OH  43560.  Those wishing to offer memorials in James’ memory are asked to consider The Toledo Symphony, P.O. Box 407, Toledo OH  43697; or The Detroit Theater Organ Society, 6424 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI  48210.  We invite you to sign the guest book and view his online video at:   www.reebfuneralhome.com