James Alford Brantley

James Alford Brantley, age 89, peacefully passed away on May 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 9, 1937, James lived a life rooted in family, strength, hard work, and love. After a long and meaningful life, he finally made his journey home to be reunited with the love of his life Loyce, as well as his parents, Grandma and Papa Brantley, and his six siblings who were waiting for him in Heaven.

James leaves behind a family that will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his little brother, Jerry Brantley (Mary Brantley), and his baby sister, Peggy Reed (Gary Reed). He also leaves behind his children: Jimmy Brantley (Pamela), Gene Brantley, Byron Brantley (Londa), and Michael Brantley (Michelle).

He was a proud grandfather to Ryan and Mathew Brantley; Joshua, Dynisha, and Bryan Brantley; Ashlie Hale; Melissa and Jessica Brantley; Cyle and Brittany Brantley; and Sabrina Cook (Tyler). He was also blessed with bonus grandchildren: Tabitha Lacey, Joshua, James, Noah, and Christina Showalter.

James was deeply loved by his many great-grandchildren: Jazzlynn and Raedynn Cook; Norah, Gianna, Janessa, and Jace Brantley; Layla, Ryder Brantley; Sedona, Logan, Wyatt, and Lincoln Brantley; Johnathon, Zander, and Isabel Brantley; Isabella and Isayah Perez; Isaac Brantley; Alexis Showalter; Jayden, Cali, and Emma Lacey; and Ezra and Elliot Watts; Alexander, Jasper & Annabel Showalter.

James proudly served in the United States Navy during the end of the Korean War. Throughout his life he worked hard to provide for his family, including working for the City of Clovis. Never one to do things halfway, James even attended school to become a professional gambler and always carried a sharp mind and love for learning new things.

Anyone who knew James knew he could be stubborn and hard-headed, but those same qualities were also part of what made him strong, determined, and dependable. In his later years he loved playing pool, woodworking, and leatherworking, often spending countless hours creating things with his hands for the people he loved. He especially loved helping his grandchildren and sharing his knowledge, humor, and time with them.

In the final hours of his life, his family gathered around his bedside playing music, talking with him, sharing memories, and reminding him how deeply loved he was. James passed peacefully on his own terms, a choice and peace that not everyone is fortunate enough to have. His family finds comfort knowing he was ready for his journey home and left this world surrounded by love.

James will be remembered for the love he carried for his family, the wisdom he shared, and the strength he showed throughout his life. His memory will live on through every story shared, every lesson passed down, and every life he touched.