James Michael Bryan

James Michael Bryan, 53, of Southampton, a world champion arm wrestler who could bench 500 pounds, lost the biggest fight of his life on December 31st, 2020, against Covid. Jimmy passed away with his loving family by his side, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Camden, NJ. Born in Woodbury, NJ, Jimmy grew up in Lumberton, NJ. He was a 1985 graduate of Rancocas Valley Regional High School and earned his bachelor’s in criminal justice at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He joined the New Jersey State Police in 1987, moving up the ranks to Lieutenant, managing a private detective unit, and developing a certification program for the Security Officer Registration Act that would become the standard for all other such training programs, before retiring in 2012. Jimmy had many passions beyond law enforcement. His passion for armwrestling and weight training began in 1998 and spanned twenty-two years. One of the top pullers in the northeast, he won dozens of tournaments including Northeast Armwrestling Challenge Titles, many Can-Am titles, AAA titles, and two World Armwrestling Federation World titles. His biggest armwrestling accomplishment was earned in 2005, when Jimmy won two world championships in Japan, competing both left- and right-handed. Voted AAA Armwrestler of the Year in 2006, his dedication surpassed competition; he was also a coach, a mentor, a referee, and a tournament director. His drive to excel made him an expert in both armwrestling and weightlifting, and just three short weeks ago, he reached his personal goal in weightlifting, benching 500 pounds. Jim’s biggest passion, however, was spending time with his wife Brenda and daughters Kalyn and Casee; his “girls,” whom he adored. A devoted husband, father, and friend, Jim is survived by his wife of 27 years, Brenda; two daughters: Kalyn (fiancé James) of Maryland and Casee of Southampton; his parents Joan & Jim Bryan of Milford, DE; his brother Michael (Theresa) Bryan of S. Dennis Township; his sister Lorraine (Marc) Levine of Boyton Beach, FL; his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Betty & Bill Phillips of Southampton and his father-in-law Gary (Nancy) Shettel; his brother-in-law Barry (Chris) Shettel of Lewisberry Pa; his brother-in-law Bill (Michelle) Widders, of Mechanicsburg, Pa; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends who became family. Though cut short, Jim’s life was well-lived. He was a compassionate leader, well-known for being kind, funny, and humble, and for always reaching out to help people solve their problems and the problems of the world. Jimmy lived life to the fullest, and his memory will live on in the hearts and souls of those blessed by having known him. His favorite sayings will be remembered by many: Go Big or Go Home I’m Kinda A Big Deal “I am not a man because I am a State Trooper, I am a State Trooper because I am a man, and I am so much more.” On December 31, 2020 we lost a beautiful man to Covid. James Michael Bryan known to all that love him as Jimmy. Jimmy touched many lives and left a huge void in our lives and our hearts. His celebration of life was delayed due to the Covid restrictions. Friday, August 13, he would have been 54 years old. The family would like you to join them in a celebration of life at their home at 261 Red Lion Road, Southampton, NJ, 11:00 am. All are welcome especially his family, friends, state police family and arm wrestling community to share your love and honor for Jimmy, Brenda, Kalyn, and Casee Bryan. Additional parking available at the Red Lion Airport with shuttle service available. Close friends and family are welcome stay for a light lunch.

James Michael Bryan

August 13, 1967 - December 31, 2020