James Branche Mize Jr.

James Branche Mize Jr., 80, - Columbus, died on June 6, 2016 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Funeral service will be held Thursday, June 9, 2016, at 11:00 am at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 2101 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, Georgia. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall one hour prior to the service.

James was born on Feb 5, 1936 to the late Dr. James Branche Mize Sr and Jessie Whitehead Mize. He attended Wynnton Elementary School and Columbus High School. Afterwards, he attended Emory University, Georgia Southwestern, and Auburn University. He married Linda Whittle Mize on December 27, 1959 at Saint Paul United Methodist. They both had active years at Saint Paul where he served on the administrative board. He went to work for American Building Company in 1960 and later went into business for himself in 1962. He joined the Columbus Homebuilders Association and served all offices including president. He was selected twice for Builder of the Year and Member of The Year. James last served as Life National Director of the NHB. James built homes in Columbus, Phenix City and Lagrange. While building in LaGrange he was instrumental in establishing the Troop County Building Inspection Department and the Homeowners Warranty Program. James was a past member of Coweta Falls Chapter of Sons of American Revolution. He served on local boards as well as the licensing board, Tax Appeal Board and Zoning Appeal Board. James loved his time on Lake Harding with his wife, daughters and friends. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, duck hunting was his favorite with his Labrador retriever Bo.

He is survived by his wife, Linda the love of his life; sister in-law, Roff Whittle Justice and brother in-law, Harvey Justice of Johnson City, TN; daughters, Claire High (Jim), Cindy Brodwyn (Jay), Catherine Dykes (Gene), Barbara Burt (Mark), Linda Sheffield (Thurston); nine grandchildren, Chandler Sasser, Luke Sheffield, James Livingston, Catherine Brodwyn, Jessica Livingston, Allison Holt, Quincy Holt, Branche Sheffield, Anna High. He was predeced in death by his sister Martha Mize Byram (Chuck). He is survived by his sister Barbara Mize Gilliam Haneman (Vince); two nephews, Otis D. Gilliam III, James Woody Gilliam (Karen), and niece Martha Gilliam Hatcher (Madden). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Paul United Methodist Church or The National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.