James Lindwind Bruning, Sr., age 84, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2016.  Born in Clarence, Louisiana on October 11, 1932, Jim was the son of the late Harry and Molly Bruning.  He graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1952 and then Northwestern State University in 1958.  He was a four year football letterman at Northwestern State.  Jim served in the Army from 1953-55.  He also graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Masters Degree.

Jim was a coach and educator at Natchitoches High School from 1959-1965.  In 1966, he then became the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach until 1977.  Natchitoches High under his leadership had several district championships and playoff bids.  His 1969 Natchitoches High School team had the perfect season and went 14-0 and won the State Championship.  From 1978-1983 he was Athletic Director.  After he retired he worked with Lott Oil.

Jim was devoted to his family.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Bettye Beasley Bruning.  He is survived by his children Janyce Bruning Kinley and her husband Allen of College Station, Texas, Harryette Bruning Tinsley and her husband Sutton of Arcadia, Louisiana, and James L. Bruning, Jr. and his wife Kathryn Anthony Bruning of Humble, Texas.  The greatest joys of his life were his four grandchildren:  Kelsey Kinley, Hannah and Lauren Tinsley, and James Rayford Bruning.  He is survived by his sisters Betty Lou Thompson of Campti and Mira Ann Horne of Natchitoches, and brother Alfred A. (Beddie) Bruning and his wife Katherine of Clarence and many nieces and nephews.

One of the dedications from his players stated "Coach Bruning's overall record speaks for itself; however, no win or loss record can ever reveal the success that this man has had in the growth and development of young men.  Records are for statisticians or spectators and never can be used to judge the value of a man.  No win or loss record can ever picture the father image of Coach Bruning.  Points are just numbers on a scoreboard and short-lived, whereas Coach Bruning's image of a man will live with us forever."

Visitation will be at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on Wednesday, November 16 fro 5-8 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches, at 10:00 a.m.  Visitation at the church will begin at 9:00 a.m.  Rev. Thomas Rush will officiate the service.  Interment will be at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches following the service.

Pallbearers are Gene Knecht, Jr., Rand Dennis, Randy Long, John Williams, Joe Beck Payne, Mike Doherty, Buddy Hale, Gary DeBlieux, Jerry Sherrill, and Floyd Antley, Jr.  All former players will be honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to thank the many friends and former players who helped by visiting and caring for him.  Special thanks to Kenneth Hurd, Warren Massia, Stuart Wright, Gary DeBlieux, Kenny Trahant, and Terry Downs for their hours of caring and visitations.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the First Baptist Church Legacy Fund in Natchitoches or Northwestern State University Athletic Department in his name.