James R. Brunn, 74, of 70th Street, Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY following a lengthy illness. Born in Hazleton, PA he was the son of the late John A. and Jean (Woodring) Brunn.

James came to Niagara Falls as a child and attended local schools. He graduated from Niagara Falls High School and later earned a Bachelor's Degree at Paul Smith's College in Paul Smiths, NY. During the Cold War he served in the U.S. Army's Intelligence Multi National Division targeting East German Intelligence. While in Germany, he was the director of a teen club for children of military and civilian personnel and coached their Little League baseball team. Following his honorable discharge he worked as a communications officer with the Niagara Falls Police Department for thirty years and following his retirement he continued working as a Park Ranger with the New York State Park Police for several years. He was also one of the first Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) in Western New York and worked at Frontier Ambulance Service for sixteen years, ten of those as their manager.

James enjoyed music, cooking, genealogy, writing and photography. He was the publisher of two newsletters for First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, where he served as a church historian and directed their Rainbow Club for many years. James was a member of the Niagara Falls Police Club, NYS Police Conference and First Presbyterian Church. He was one of the original founders of the Tyro Football Program for youth in Niagara Falls and was the recipient of the key to the city by then Mayor E. Dent Lackey while serving as General Manager of the organization.

Mr. Brunn is survived by two sisters Judith Ann (George) Dudley of Alabama and Jerrine Louise Neff of Williamsville, NY as well as a niece and several nephews. He also left behind his dear friends and special angels Bob Monroe, Keith Stahlman, Matthew Thompson, Mel Dashineau, Lindsay Bodie (godchild), Shawn Larrabee, Joel Krupa, Donald and Barbara King, among others.
There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial service on Saturday, May 17th, at 11 AM at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. The service will be hosted by Jim's brother-in-law, Rev. George Dudley. Following the service, the family will welcome friends at Jim's residence where celebratory grilled Sahlens hot dogs and desserts, Jim's favorites, will be served in his memory. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Make-A-Wish Foundation of WNY, 3901 Genesee Street, Ste. 110, Buffalo, NY 14225 or to First Presbyterian Church, 311 First Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303