James Robert Brewer

James “Jim” Robert Brewer, age 65, from West Branch, Michigan, passed away May 2, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Born January 14, 1961, to Robert “Bob” and Karen Brewer, Jim dedicated his life to his family, a 30-year career in petroleum engineering, farming, and solving seemingly unsolvable problems.

His entrepreneurial spirit began in the ninth grade when, at his father’s encouragement, he started a maple syrup business on the family farm. By his senior year, the operation had grown to more than 1,700 taps, considered a large enterprise in Michigan at the time. In a full-circle moment, Jim fulfilled his retirement dream by returning to syrup production on the family farm in 2024 and 2025.

Throughout his career with Shell Oil Company, Jim traveled extensively and contributed to projects on six continents. He held more than ten patents, authored numerous publications, and was recognized as a global subject matter expert in his field. Among his many accomplishments, he led a remote Arctic exploration project in north-central British Columbia, Canada.

Jim will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, sharp wit, and deep love of the outdoors. Despite the challenges of his illness, he remained hopeful and resilient, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed for his animated stories, thoughtful debates, and legendary pancake breakfasts served with his own pure maple syrup.

He is survived by his wife, Lori (Perdew) Brewer; his children, Kari (Khefren) Savannah, Kimberly (Greg) Farrer, Mandy Brewer, and Melanie Brewer; his grandchildren, Iva and Kaiden Savannah and Evelyn Farrer; his siblings, Debby (Dave) Graham and Dan (Dee) Brewer; and his mother, Karen Brewer.

A memorial service honoring his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 2490 W. State Rd., West Branch, MI, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Brewer Family Endowed Scholarship at Jim’s Alma Mater, Montana Tech of the University of Montana (https://foundation.mtech.edu/give/index.html).

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com