WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
James Edward Hambruch, age 53, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021 surrounded by his wife and children due to COVID complications.
He was born on September 11, 1967, in Fairfax County, VA the son of Robert Gary and Bernharde (Korczynski) Hambruch.
Jim graduated from Junction City High School in Junction City, KS and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
Jim was stationed at Myrtle Beach, SC for six years and then transferred to Ellsworth Air Force Base in SD. He served overseas for Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
Jim transitioned from active duty to Reserves in 1996 out of Grissom Air Reserve Base in Peru, IN. He was deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During Jim’s career in the Reserves he achieved the rank of E9 and was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in 2015. He also earned his associates degree in aviation maintenance technology from the Community College of the Air Force.
Before retiring on February 8, 2020, Jim received many awards and decorations among them the Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medal.
Jim married his soulmate, Holly VanVleck, on February 27, 1999 in Dyer, IN.
Jim was employed with Eaton Corporation since 1994 working out of South Bend, and then Galesburg.
Jim loved God, family, his country and football. He was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs and Nebraska Cornhuskers fan and was happiest watching football with friends and family with an ice cold beer.
Jim was a very caring man with a huge heart and would do anything for anybody at a moment’s notice. His bright smile and laugh could lighten any mood.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Robert, and mother, Bernharde.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Holly. His children, Jacob (Liz) Hambruch of South Bend; Morgan (Laketon) Belinger of Norton Shores; and Madison Hambruch (Rikki) of Three Rivers. Jim was elated to learn he would be welcoming his first grandchild in October this year and would’ve made an amazing Paw Paw. Siblings, Robert (Michelle) Hambruch, Jennifer (Jarod) Wege and Steven Hambruch. Step-mother, Christina Hambruch and step-father, AJ Boone, along with many other extended family. Countless close friends and military brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, prior to a time of reflection on Jim’s life at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Envelopes are available at the funeral home in care of Jim’s arrangements.
