James D. Brubaker, who started out as a driver in the John Wayne movies and amassed producing credits for such high-profile titles as ‘The Right Stuff,’ ‘Cobra,’ and ‘Rocky IV,’ will arrive on January 3. died in Beverly Hills on ,California. After a series of strokes. he was 85 years old.
Brubaker made three films with Eddie Murphy, The Nutty Professor, The Cramps, and Life, in which he made cameo appearances as a judge.
Jim Carrey starred in two films he produced, ‘Liar, Liar’ and ‘Bruce Almighty’.
His other production credits include ‘A Walk in the Clouds’, ‘Dragonfly’ with Kevin Costner and ‘Gia’ with Angelina Jolie.
Raging Bull, Comes a Horseman, New York, New York, Rhinestones, True Confessions, Patty Hearst, The Godfather Part II, Staying Alive. ” His last credit was executive producing ‘Chef’ starring Jon Favreau.
From 2003 to 2008, Brubaker was President of Physical Production at Universal Studios, directing over 50 films in 14 countries.
Brubaker got his start in the industry driving horses to John Wayne movie locations in Mexico as a team star and was also a driver in “Harold and Maude” and “Diamonds Are Forever”.
After driving the first ‘Rocky’ film, he was promoted to second production manager, third associate producer and executive producer of ‘Rocky IV’.
Often referred to as “Blue” by his peers, he served in the Army and studied at California State University, Los Angeles before working as a driver for MGM.
He served on the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission and was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Directors Guild of America, and the Producers Guild of America. He has also lectured at UCLA and He USC Film Schools, providing training opportunities for underprivileged youth on his film sets.
Brubaker is survived by his wife of 30 years, Marcy Kelly, and three children, Marcei Brubaker Brown. Susan Brubaker Gablet; John Alden Brubaker; and five grandchildren. His son-in-law, Michael James Kelly, predated him. can be donated to
