Jim D. Bruce, age 87, of Monroe passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the Monroe SSM Health Hospital. He was born on December 19, 1937 the son of Berthol Ray and Augusta Ruth (Sullivan) Bruce. He graduated from Dixon High School and later Rockford Business School. Jim married Nancy Schuler on December 15, 1990.
Jim started working for the Monroe Times in 1965 in advertising sales. He eventually worked his way up to general manager and editor in 1980. Jim worked for the Monroe Times for 27 years; retiring on January 3, 1992.
After arriving in Monroe in 1965, Jim was actively involved in the Cheese Days Committee activities, including serving as co-grand marshal in 2014 for the 100-year anniversary celebration. Jim was also active in securing Monroe’s first ambulance and served as an officer and member of the Green County Emergency Medical Service Board.
Jim was a board member of the Madison Diocese’s Apostolate to the Handicapped and a member of Monroe Rotary Club. He also served as the director of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. In honor of Jim’s service to the community, the City of Monroe proclaimed June 12, 1987 as Jim Bruce Day. Jim was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy of Monroe; son, Steven (Brenda) Bruce of Eleva, WI; step-children, Jill Rosenau of Bloomington, IL, and Jonathan Schuler of Harmon, IL; grandchildren, Sydney Davis, Matayo Bruce, and Boden Bruce; step-grandsons, Adam Rosenau, Brady Carlson and Brock Carlson; step-granddaughters Jasmine and Jade Belcher and 5 great-grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Janeen Bruce Belcher.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Koning Maple Lane Event Center, N3501 State Hwy 81 in Monroe, WI from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM.
Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to: shgfuneralhome.net.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Green County EMS.
