James J. Brennan, a South Philly Two-Streeter born and raised, a Mummer, a devoted traveler and Civil War buff, died Friday of complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 67 and lived in South Philadelphia.
Jim Brennan was all about family - a husband, father and grandfather who would do anything for his wife, children and grandchildren.
"He was the love of my life," his wife said.
"The sun really did rise and set in my father's eyes," said his daughter, Jennifer Brennan Matteo. "He was my hero, my first love."
Jim Brennan was born in South Philadelphia to Francis and Mary Brennan. He attended Sacred Heart Parochial School and graduated from what was then Bishop Neumann High School, now St. John Neumann High.
He went to work at the Inquirer right after high school, starting in ad production and working his way up to outside sales. Among his clients were colleges and universities. He put together the paper's Education Guide in 2001.
He retired later that year.
Jim and Jackie met in 1973 when both worked in the newspaper's advertising department. They were married in 1981. Jackie had three children from a previous marriage, and Jim adopted them.
"I felt that I was handpicked," Jennifer said. "I feel that he chose me. I was luckier than most children because my Daddy chose me to be his own. I was Daddy's little girl through and through."
Jennifer was trying last night to write her father's eulogy, a tough job because she had so much to say about him and wanted to make sure others understood how she felt.
"He was my heart and soul," she said. "This man gave me a beautiful life - and he didn't have to do any of it."
Jim and his wife went to Las Vegas a number of times, where Jim liked to test his luck and skill at the blackjack table.
