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.