James Brouse, 2019
February 10, 1932 - February 9, 2020
James Brouse was a resident of West Chester, PA since 1979. He was born to Paul Williams Brouse (January 15, 1905 - July, 1976) and Elizabeth Geiger Pollock Brouse (1907 - 1945).
James Brouse was married to Christina Margaret Armstrong (February 25, 1937 - August 27, 2017), with sons David, Daniel, and Timothy; his grandchildren Christopher, Danielle, Alexander, Adelina, Zoe, Summer, and Jack.
James was born in Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania. His older brother was Paul Williams Brouse, Jr. Shortly after Jim's birth, the family moved to Williamsport, PA. When his mother died in 1945, James and his brother Paul lived with the Lutheran Minister in Wormleysburg for several years.
After graduating from Williamsport High School in 1950, James briefly attended West Chester State College before becoming a corporal in the United States Marines. Upon receiving GI Bill benefits for college tuition, James graduated from Springfield College. In the 1970s, Jim rejoined the military as a staff sergeant in the Army Reserves.
At Springfield College, he was a champion wrestler and swimmer. Under the coaching of Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller, Jim became a nationally ranked swimmer.
After obtaining his college degree, Jim worked for the YMCA as a physical director in Center City Philadelphia, Kane, and Roxborough before becoming the Executive Director of the Clearfield YMCA. While in Clearfield, he started the day camp, Shawnee, and the swim team. In addition to his duties as Executive Director, James also was the swim team coach.
Jim was a Republican committee man and member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church.
PICTURES
James Brouse, 2019
Chris and James Brouse, 2015
Brouse family, 1968
Jim Brouse coaching swimming in 1969 in Clearfield, PA. Before becoming Executive Director of the YMCA, Jim graduated from Springfield College and was a nationally ranked swimmer coached by Johnny Weissmuller-an Olympic champion who went on to become the most famous actor to play Tarzan. Weissmuller won five Olympic gold medals, set numerous world records, and starred in 12 iconic Tarzan films, beginning with Tarzan the Ape Man in 1932, where he introduced the signature Hollywood jungle yell.