James F. Brenzel

James Brenzel journeyed to heaven on Friday March 19, 2021 at the age of 89, passing away unexpectedly at home after a final day of work in the family business.
Jim was well-loved by all that knew him; classmates, business associates, employees, and most of all his devoted family. Born of parents William and Elsie VonHoven Brenzel on September 26, 1931, Jim showed an early interest in enterprising activities with a boyhood newspaper route. He began a long career in the Service Station business at age 12, at Terry's Texaco in St. Matthews. He graduated in 1949 from his cherished St. X High School and was still active in the alumni association. His honesty, diligence, and easy-going manner readily apparent, Jim was promoted to service station manager at age 21. Further to serve the community, he joined the St. Matthews Volunteer Fire Department, one of his many lifelong loves. He found great peace tending to his backyard fishpond and enjoyed immensely time spent at his lakehouse at Nolin Lake.
He married the love of his life, beautiful Janet Kurtz in 1955, with whom he had four children. In 1960, he took an accounting job at EK Williams managing the books for many service stations about town. When the opportunity arose to become his own boss in 1973, he purchased Brenzel's Chevron station at the intersection of Bardstown and Taylorsville Roads. Several years later he purchased Germantown Auto Service where he continued to work until his passing. Under his watchful eye, he mentored countless young men to future success. He believed in putting his customers first, always more interested in helping people than earning a profit.
Jim served several terms as president of the Kentucky Gasoline Dealers Assn. He also served in the Kentucky National Guard and was a member of the Honorary Order of the Kentucky Colonels. An avid UofL athletics fan, Jim enjoyed regular luncheons of the Quarterback club. He was a devout parishioner of St. Albert the Great.
He is survived by sons Greg (Jill Trautwein) and Glenn (Joanie Bartley), and daughters Jill (George Dick), and Kara Brenzel. He showed much love for grandchildren, Tyler, Marena, Samantha, Sydney, Graham, and Margaret. Jim is survived by his brothers, Bob (Madeline) and John (Joyce) and many beloved nieces and nephews.
His wife Janet predeceased him in 1990. Also predeceased were siblings Bill (Helen), Mary Catherine Lentz (Joseph), Dorothy Speed (Tom), and Patricia Wallace (John), and close in-laws, Denny & Mary Angela Kurtz. Second wife Connie Brenzel died in 2019.
He also will be deeply missed by his loyal caretaker Kaye March.

Jim's choice was cremation, and will be buried next to former wife Janet in Cavalry Cemetery. A funeral service and mass will be announced soon. Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy can made in the form of donations to St. Albert the Great and St. Xavier High School.

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