Howard James Bronson Jr.

Howard James Bronson Jr.

Cedar Rapids

Howard James Bronson Jr., known as Jim, was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 12, 1935, to Howard James and Mildred Bronson. An only child, he was an avid reader and artist. He won awards in high school for his watercolors and considered becoming an artist, but once at Iowa State University he turned his focus to mechanical engineering. He graduated in 1958 and later that year returned to Cedar Rapids to work at Collins Radio (and then Rockwell International), where he rose to Director of Advanced Manufacturing Systems. He spent his entire career at Rockwell, where he made many lifelong friends. He retired in 1994.

Jim met his wife Evie (then Jackman) at a fraternity event at the University of Minnesota. They married in 1960 and welcomed three children to their family.

Jim appreciated cars, especially convertibles, and loved to drive. He took his family on epic trips to experience national parks across the Western U.S., driving their motorhome for thousands of miles. Whether his kids needed a special wedding cake from across the state or a ride across the country to start college or he and Evie were headed to Florida for their annual visits, he was always happy to get behind the wheel.

In 1980, Jim and Evie bought a cabin on Dewdrop Lake near Crosslake, Minn., where they spent many happy vacations and hosted Fourth of July family reunions for the Jackman clan.

In 1989, Jim was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and given a prognosis of five years to live. He beat the odds time and again for more than thirty years, getting the chance to know his seven grandchildren and meet his great-grandchild; travel with Evie to Alaska, Montana, Canada, France and more; and to enjoy homes in Cedar Rapids, Chaska, Deerwood and Northfield.

Jim died on Sept. 24, 2023, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., surrounded by his wife and children. The family appreciates the compassionate care provided by the staff at Abbott.

Problem solver, engineer, planner, driver, artist, loyal friend, devoted husband, supportive father and loving grandfather, Jim was always there for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Evie; his children, Andrew (Anita) Bronson of Chanhassen, Minn., Lynn Bronson (Charles Decker) of Woodbury, Minn., and Jennifer (Ryan) Koester of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Nikki (Andrew) Soderberg, Billy Bronson, Henry Decker, Anna Decker, Ben Koester, Nate Koester and Leo Koester; one great-granddaughter, Nola; cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 500 W. Third St., Northfield. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and a reception will follow the service. Memorials are preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Online condolences can be shared and funeral livestreaming details can be found on www.northfieldfuneral.com.