JAMES (ROY) BRUNER

Longtime Alaska resident James (Roy) Bruner, 77, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2003, at Providence Extended Care Center, of lung cancer.

Mr. Bruner was born Sept. 8, 1926, in Graceville, Fla., and was raised in Dothan, Ala. Mr. Bruner moved to Alaska in 1953. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 11, and served on the E Board. He was secretary of the Fairbanks Eagles Lodge.

Mr. Bruner was a lifetime accomplished musician and made a living playing music. He performed with artists such as Willie Nelson, Little Jimmy Dickens, Hank Snow and Tex Ritter, and many more. He had the first live music TV show in Anchorage in 1956 known as the Chic Adam's Trio. After playing music he held several other occupations, his last working at the J.H. Car Wash in Morton, Ill.

His family wrote, "Roy was a devoted husband and father. He became a noble grandfather and great-grandfather as well. He will be remembered and missed."

His grandchildren wrote, "Grandpa was not only a grandfather and father to his grandkids, but also the greatest source of inspiration and creativity in our lives. He had much wisdom and love to share and will be remembered as a legend by his family."

Mr. Bruner was preceded in death by his son-in-law Mac McSorley. He is survived by his longtime partner and wife of 52 years, Ann Bruner; daughter and son-in-law Norma and Dale Schramm of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law Steve and Brandy Bruner of Fairbanks; grandchildren Sunny McSorley of Seattle, Phil and Theresa McSorley of Wasilla, and Lynann McSorley of Big Lake; great-grandchildren Harley and Harmony McSorley of Wasilla; brother Harvey Bruner of Georgia; and sisters Lillian Virkstis of Michigan and Margaret Locha of Texas.

Arrangements were made by Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory.