RIP Jim Brehm

[Andy Friar]

It is with great sadness that I have to report the loss yesterday of Jim Brehm of Laingsburg,MI. Jim and my Dad (Terry Friar) were good friends for 30+yrs starting back in the days of working at Oldsmobile engineering in Lansing,MI. Jim and Dad ran with the likes of Ed Koerner, Tim Dimond, Bill Porterfield, who all worked with Oldsmobile at the time.

Jim was a husband, father and grandfather. He was a long time member of the Oldsmobile club of America and knew more about those cars than most could dream of. He had been drag racing for around 50 yrs in bracket, STK & SS. But always in an Oldsmobile (save for one BBC Biscayne way back in the day). He won the IHRA Pts meet at 131 Motorsports Park in 2014 over fellow Olds enthusiast Jim Kaekal, which the best I can tell, was one of the highlights of his drag racing career. Jim grew up in as kid in Central America as his Dad was down there to oversee a construction company or maybe something to do with the Panama Canal. I always thought it was cool as a kid (and now) that he was fluent in Spanish. He was a lifetime Michigan State fan and worked as an usher for MSU football and Basketball games for many years. Most of all though, he was just a nice guy. With an infectious laugh, a big smile and a bright glow about him. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife Sharon and kids and grandkids. He is gone but not forgotten!


https://www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com/...?obId=19364399

[John Dinkel]

Sorry to hear this. Prayers for Sharon and family.

[Myron Piatek]

Condolences to family & friends. I remember him from the IHRA days.

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCPhoto.asp?ID=181752

[Jim Kaekel]

[QUOTE=Andy Friar;630205].
He won the IHRA Pts meet at 131 Motorsports Park 5-10yrs ago over Ben Wenzel in the final, which the best I can tell, was one of the highlights of his drag racing career.

Yes, Jim was indeed a gentleman, great racer and fellow Olds enthusiast. He won the IHRA Summit Pro-Am at US-131 Motorsports Park in 2014. I vividly remember as I was the runner-up at that event.

[Andy Friar]

[QUOTE=Jim Kaekel;630229]

Originally Posted by Andy Friar

.
He won the IHRA Pts meet at 131 Motorsports Park 5-10yrs ago over Ben Wenzel in the final, which the best I can tell, was one of the highlights of his drag racing career.

Yes, Jim was indeed a gentleman, great racer and fellow Olds enthusiast. He won the IHRA Summit Pro-Am at US-131 Motorsports Park in 2014. I vividly remember as I was the runner-up at that event.

Jim, sincere apology for screwing up the details from that final round. I corrected the error in my original post.

[Jim Kaekel]

[QUOTE=Andy Friar;630233]

Originally Posted by Jim Kaekel

Jim, sincere apology for screwing up the details from that final round. I corrected the error in my original post.

No problem, I just feel fortunate to have known and raced with him.

[Ty Kwaiser]

Sad to learn of this unfortunate news. We pitted with Jim and Sharon many times over the years and kept an eye on each other's stuff. We always enjoyed visiting with him.

[Shake & Bake]

Andy, didn't know Jim but new Bill Porterfield when he was the owner of the #1 ZL1 Camaro....Actually rode in that car. Great piece of history.