James Ralph Brilhart

Born August 10, 1954 - Died February 14, 2024

James graduated from Ithaca High School. He was a friend to all and quick with a joke. He was one of a kind and lived life to the fullest. He was a skilled carpenter that repaired and remodeled many homes in Gratiot County.

He is survived by long time partner Brenda Onstott; siblings Bill, Richard (Jackie), Sandy (Rod),, Gari (Jayne), Bonnie “Baillie” (Raul), Juli, Ann (John), Amy; as well as many nieces and nephews. We are all thankful to have had him in our lives.

A gathering to share stories with family and friends will be held at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building (1011 E. North St), on March 23rd from 2-3:30pm. Donations may be made to Gratiot County Animal Shelter. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Jim Shaw]

My thoughts and prayers for the entire family during this difficult time.

[Barbara Johnson Sanders]

As a kid, I remember spending endless hours at the Brilhart house, like a second home to me. Though it was decades ago I still have vivid memories of playing in their big beautiful house. Sleeping in the screened porch, climbing up and down the stairs, the room we could write on the walls, the giant tree that grew in the big bay window.…It was the best life and I have a special place in my heart for each one of you, and honored to have a best friend in Sandy Brilhart Bare. A friendship that has endured through decades even though I moved to the other side of the continent a lifetime ago.

My heart goes out to all Jim’s family and friends. He was a guy you just couldn’t not like and the only person who said his name ‘Ralf’ when he burped. There was a twinkle in his eye and way in his manner that always seemed to bring a laugh to my heart no matter where we gathered with friends at home or school.

Though I have yet to lose any of my sibling, I dread the day and can only imagine the loss you are feeling right now. Though I can’t be there in body I am in spirit and wish you each peace in this moment, forgiving the past and loving one another in this moment of grief.

[Bill Hodges]

If I had a penny for every adventure, experience and laugh that I shared with Ralph then I would be a wealthy, wealthy person😂. But the more I think about him and all of the shenanigans that we were involved with together the reality of the matter is that the times that we shared together were worth more than ANY dollar figure. My sincere condolences to all of Jim’s family and friends. RIP old friend😢

[Deb Godley Morris-Motz]

My deepest condolences to this entire family. He will be sadly missed by this community, and family, and friends. Hugs to All!

[Just Another Sinner]

J R Brilhart
Your flag is at half mast my brother.
You have run your last race🏃
You now have your chance to seek JESUS’S
face! May His Peace be with you! AMEN🙏🏻

[Cindy Crawford]

I saw Jim at our 45th class reunion and it really felt like seeing an old friend that has known me for a long time. It was comforting and I am so grateful that I had that time to renew our friendship and even to rediscover the wonderful quality he had of just making you feel at home around him. Thanks for the memories Jim. My deepest condolences to his family and all who cared for him and loved him.

[Craig Snyder]

Condolences to the Brilhart family!