WA/DL Capt. James “Jim” Andrew Brekke

 From: brekke sisna.com <brekke@sisna.com>Date: Mon, Feb 14, 2022 at 10:16 PM

James "Jim" Brekke passed away on January 11th  2022.  He passed away at home surrounded by family.  The family is forever in debt to his neighbors, family and friends for all of their help in recent years.  We could not have done it without them.  Although Jim died of complications from Parkinson's and his last years were filled with trials due to the disease, his family chooses to remember how hard he fought to stay himself, we will remember him as an inspiration.

 Jim grew up in a little town of 100, in northern Minnesota he always dreamed of flying.  After graduation Jim headed to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota.  In August 27th 1968 he started working for WAL in Minneapolis, Minnesota,  working in many departments:  Baggage handler, Tickets, Weight and Balance in Operations.  While working and going to college it afforded Jim the opportunity to take flying lessons.  After hour of accruing flying hours ,Jim started an Aerial Crop Spraying Business, while he continued working for Western.   Before the merger between Western and Delta Jim was hired as a crew member flying for Western.

(Through hard work and keeping his eye on the goal his dream came true).  Later he flew under the Captains hat of Delta Airlines, until August 31 2003.

Jim's 35 years of working for the airlines was 17 1/2 years on the ramp.  Where the ramp guys remembered Jim as a "Guy with a pencil, paper and a plan"  Later Jim worked in the cockpit for 17 1/2 years. He said he always enjoyed working with the guys he once did Weight and Balance for while working in operations.  Jim was base in SEA, SLC,CVG and Retired back in SLC 

Jim was known for his subtle kindness, his big smile and huge laugh.  In business and well as in life Jim's belief was" Leave a little on the table for the next guy.

A Day of Celebration is planned this spring both in SLC and MSP.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. James “Jim” Andrew Brekke

 January 4, 1944 - January 11, 2022 (78 years old) 

 

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ut/midvale/james-andrew-brekke-14013546

       James Andrew Brekke Obituary      

       It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James Andrew Brekke (Midvale, Utah), born in Tamarack, Minnesota, who passed away on January 11, 2022, at the age of 78, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family……………..

      

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

https://www.premierfuneral.com/obituaries/James-Brekke/#!/Obituary

Obituary for James "Jim" Andrew Brekke

On January 11, 2022, James Andrew Brekke, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 78, in his home surrounded by family; he will be missed. James, or Jim, was born on January 4, 1944, in Tamarack, Minnesota, to Oscar and Lydia (Franklin) Brekke. He and his wife were married for 47 years and throughout those years, they made many of their dreams come true. Other than the pride Jim felt for his sons, Jeffrey and Michael, and the love for his wife, Susan, one of Jim’s greatest accomplishments was becoming a pilot. Jim’s fascination with flight began when he was a boy, and in 2004 he retired as a Captain for Delta airlines.

 

Jim was known for his subtle kindness and generosity; maybe that is because he knew what it was like to have so little. Born in a small farmhouse in the woods, he lost his parents in his adolescence, and was raised by his siblings, Dr. Grace Guemple, Vickie Struve, and his brothers Bob, Captain Carl, and Delbert Brekke. During these formative years, he became adaptable and resourceful. Jim was a skilled huntsman and an expert on all things outdoors. His love of nature took him all over the country, Alaska being one of his favorite spots. Jim honorably served in the United States Army as a military police officer and center snapper for the football team. Beyond his affinity for aviation, he had a passion for economics and real estate. One of his favorite sayings was “Leave a little on the table for the next guy.”

 

The family is forever in debt to his neighbors, family, and friends for all of their help in recent years. We could not have done it without you. Although Jim died of complications from Parkinson’s, and his last years were filled with trials due to the disease, his family chooses to remember how hard he fought to stay himself; they will remember him as an inspiration.

 

Jim has chosen to be cremated and the Brekke family will hold two celebrations of life in his honor in the year of 2022; one in Salt Lake City, Utah where he and his wife currently reside, and one in Minnesota, his home state. Jim is survived by his wife Susan, his two sons Jeffrey and Michael, and their wives Vanessa and Samantha. Jim was an example of the fact that it is never too late to make your dreams come true.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you respect Jim’s spirt of “Leaving a little on the table for the next guy” and pay it forward in the kindness of your own heart.

 

 ........................................

~ IN MEMORY ~

MSP/SLC WA/DL pilot James "Jim" Andrew Brekke

 January 4, 1944 ~ January 11, 2022

 

Sad news to share.....thank you/~ Carol

 

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 9:54 AM 

With a sad heart I am letting you all know of the passing of Jim Brekke. He died at 4:30 a.m. today from complications of Parkinson’s. Jim was currently living in Salt Lake City. Survived by wife Sue, two sons: Jeff (Vanessa) and Michael (Samantha).

He will be cremated and a memorial service at a later date will be planned.

Anyone wishing to send cards…

Susan Brekke

4617 S, Shiloh Park Lane

Millcreek, UT 84117