James E. Bruce Death, Obituary – On November 25, 2022, James E. Bruce, Jr. lost his battle with unexpected illness and passed away at his home in Pittsburgh. He had only reached the age of 58. After graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School in 1964, he went on to study history at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History, specialising in Labor History.
He also worked in the field of history during this time. He spent his entire life reading, and as a result, he has an extensive knowledge of history, which he has kept up to date throughout his life. Jim worked for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Blindness and Visual Services for the majority of his working life. He was legally blind. He spent 25 years in that location.
His work throughout his life, the people who worked alongside him at BVS, and his membership in the Union were all things that he held in the highest regard. Jim had spent his entire working life as a member of the SEIU Local 668 PSSU, and during that time, he had served in various capacities within the organization, including as Chief Shop Steward, Executive Board Member, and Secretary-Treasurer. Even after he retired, he continued to be an active member of his Union.
He found that taking part in political campaigns and going to the Labor Day Parade were two of his favorite activities associated with the Union. Jim and Joan, who had been married for 48 years, took advantage of their retirement years to do some island hopping in the Caribbean so that they could get away from the harsh winters in Pittsburgh. Jim and Joan had been married for 48 years. Jim and Joan, who affectionately referred to themselves as “snow birds,” spent their winters in a home that they co-owned in Sun City Center, Florida. Jim’s wife Joan, their three children, and his close friends were the people in his life who meant the most to him.
Both of his parents, James E. Bruce and Esther Bruce Buckley, had already passed away by the time Jim was born. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joan Coultas Bruce; his sister, Patricia Bruce Guerra; his brothers, Jeff and Scott Buckley; his sister-in-law, Sister Mary Joan Coultas, CDP; and a large number of nieces and nephews. He was married to Joan Coultas Bruce.
His sister is Patricia Bruce Guerra. His brothers are Jeff and Scott Buckley. His sister-in-law is Sister Mary Joan Coultas, CD Both of his parents, James E. Bruce and Esther Bruce Buckley, had already passed away by the time Jim was born. It is expected that the funeral services will be held in complete privacy. Donations to the Sisters of Divine Providence Retirement Fund, the Pittsburgh Symphony Society, the American Civil Liberties Union, or any other charity of the donor’s choosing are being requested in lieu of flowers by the family. WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME in Lawrenceville is in charge of making all of the necessary arrangements.