- Date Of Birth: April 10, 1930
- Date Of Death: September 23, 2019
- State: Colorado
The Gruber Family wishes to let all the friends of Jim Gruber know that we appreciate all of the kind thoughts that have been extended to our family on the passing of our father and Grandfather, Jim Gruber.
Jim was born on April 10th, 1930 in San Antonio, TX. He spent his young years living on Willowbrook Farm in Eaton Rapids, Michigan being the first son born to Jack and Mae Gruber. Jim was joined by his sisters Evelyn and Stephanie, who both predeceased Jim, and by his brother Gerry who continues to live and work the farm in Michigan. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and entered Notre Dame University where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduating from Norte Dame, Jim joined the Navy, ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant. His naval experiences allowed him to see numerous foreign countries and trained him extensively in the engineering field. He left the Navy to pursue a career in aeronautics starting at Bendix Corporation in Indiana. While at Bendix, Jim met his life-long wife, Bernice, and together, they moved to Colorado where Jim joined with Martin Marietta Corporation. Jim and Bernice moved into their first and only home on Cottonwood Ave in Littleton where they raised three sons: Vince Gruber (married to Lori), Jeff Gruber (married to Val) and Steve Gruber (who predeceased Jim and was married to Simone). Jim and Bernice enjoyed the growth of their family through their Grandchildren (Steve & Simone’s children: Issa Nikole and Ashley Mae, Jeff & Val’s children: Diamon Christensen and Jamie Leigh, and Vince & Lori’s children: Connor Michael and Wyatt Steven). Jim especially enjoyed the mountains and would frequently take his family on extended camping trips throughout the Western states. He was also committed to coaching his sons in Baseball and ultimately found himself running Apache Little League as the President of the league.
