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James George "Jim" Bryja

James George "Jim" Bryja obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2001 East Oakland Avenue

Johnson City, Tennessee

James Bryja Obituary

James "Jim" George Bryja

February 3, 2026

JOHNSON CITY - James "Jim" George Bryja, age 73, of Johnson City, Tennessee, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Jim was born in 1953 into the home of Edward Joseph and Genieve Piper Bryja.

He graduated from the University of Illinois, Summa Cum Laude, before also graduating from the School of Engineering.

Jim was a proud hard-working employee of 30 years for General Shale. He never missed a day of work throughout his long career.

He loved his family, an avid reader, and enjoyed fishing and golf. He was a student of the 2nd World War and enjoyed learning more about it.

Along with his parents, those preceding Jim in death include: one sister, Bonnie Simon; one brother, Robert (Mariellen) Bryja; and one brother-in-law, Richard (Patti) Duffy.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include: his loving wife of 36 years, Patty Bryja; three loving sons, Joseph Bryja, Michael Bryja, and Bobby Bryja; one sister, Debbie Malkasian; one brother-in-law, Kevin (Lu) Duffy; and several loving nieces and nephews, Collette Duffy, Caroline (Trevor) Gentry, Colleen (Drake) Orser, Christie (Alex) Leatherbury, John (Rosa) Duffy, and James (Stacy) Malkasian; and three great-nieces and nephews (with two more on the way).

A visitation for friends and family is scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, February 9, 2026, in the Dogwood Chapel at Morris-Baker Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the Dogwood Chapel at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. Rev. Annie Watson will be officiating the service.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tuberous Sclerosis Foundation at www.give.tscalliance.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Johnson City Press from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bryja

Sponsored by Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Not sure what to say?





Bill Kjorlien

March 2, 2026

Jim and Patty were warm and special people. It has been my privilege to call them Friends.

Ray Leonhard

February 14, 2026

I´m so sorry for your loss and send my deepest condolences. Jim was a great leader in our industry and will be missed!

Margaret Farmer

February 12, 2026

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was the pediatrician for all three boys at one point before they outgrew me! May God sustain your family through this time--Meg Farmer

Anita Sutherland

February 10, 2026

Patty, I am so sorry for your loss.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Vanslager

Planted Trees

Nat Medina

February 9, 2026

I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Bryja. Jim was not only a co worker but someone whose presence brought humor, warmth, and genuine camaraderie into the workplace. I first met Jim about 20 years ago, from that very first introduction, it was clear that he had a special way of connecting with people.

Jim will be remembered for his good heart, his sense of humor, and the way he made the workplace feel more like a community. I am sure his loss is felt deeply by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who are grieving. May his memory bring comfort, and may we carry forward the spirit he shared with us.

Ryan Dunaway

February 9, 2026

I want to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Jim´s family. Jim was truly one of a kind. I am a better person for having known him, and we shared many great conversations over the years. There are too many memories to count, but one that stands out was his "homework assignment" to watch The Last Brickmaker in America and report back. He will be deeply missed.

Jack Bolus

February 9, 2026

Jim was a great friend to the Bolus family. He and Patty supported me and my family when my Dad passed and were great neighbors to my Dad, always checking on him and letting me know if anything was wrong. Jim was always helpful and kind to my children, going out of his way to help. Jim was a good friend and I along with my family will miss him greatly.

Charlene Edwards

February 8, 2026

Although I didn't work directly with Jim, I always remember his ready smile. So sorry to learn of his passing. May you find comfort and peace in your memories.

Group of 5 Memorial Trees

Trish Mauer & The BIA Team

Planted Trees

Trish Mauer & The BIA Team

February 8, 2026

The Brick Industry extends its deepest condolences to Patty and the entire family. Jim was truly one of a kind-an expert in all things brick, with a heart of gold. He cared deeply not only about the industry, but about the people he worked alongside. He will be truly missed. Patty, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Martha West

February 7, 2026

Patty and boys, i am deeply saddened by your loss. Jim was a wonderful fellow and co-worker. I have known him for 20 years and have many stories and work memories. He will truly be missed by many. My prayers are with your family.

Comfort Planter

Martha West

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Luke Guinn

February 6, 2026

My sincerest condolences to Jim´s family. I´ve known Jim for nearly 15 years, and I can honestly say there was no one else like him. He was good at his job and well respected. When my own father passed in 2013, Jim´s kind words to me were among the most thoughtful and sincere and I will never forget that. Rest in peace, my friend, and we´ll keep the two-minute movie drills going in your honor.

Tiffany&Paul Folkner

February 6, 2026

Patty is My Best friend & I knew one of her sons Bobby I met him, never met her other 2 sons or her husband but she spoke highly of all, my heart breaks for all of you guys, I know no amount of words could ever ease the pain of losing a loved one, I think of patty as family more than a friend, Me & Paul are praying for you all & are here if you need us , we love you , I know this is hard especially 38 years I couldn't imagine , but whenever your ready to talk we're here<3

Myron Yankee

February 6, 2026

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jim Widener

February 6, 2026

Patty and boys, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good friend and a one of a kind man

Patrick Pullen

February 6, 2026

I want to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Jim´s family. Jim was truly one of a kind. I had the privilege of working with him, and I am a better person for having known him. He will be deeply missed at General Shale, where he was not only a valued colleague but truly considered part of the family. RIP Jim

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Memorial Events
for James Bryja

Feb

9

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2001 East Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN

Feb

10

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2001 East Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN

Funeral services provided by:

Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2001 East Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601

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