James Vernon Braswell

James Vernon Braswell of San Bernardino passed away November 19, 2013, at the age of 91. Born in Monroe, North Carolina, on March 11, 1922, Jim joined the armed forces in 1940 and spent nearly a quarter-century serving his country in the Army and Air Force. He was a decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War, and also served in postwar Japan, where he met his wife of nearly 54 years, Kiyoko.

In 1964, Jim and Kiyoko settled in San Bernardino, where Jim entered the civil service at Norton Air Force Base. Jim enjoyed fishing at Lake Silverwood and Lake Gregory and finding ingenious ways to fix things around the house. He was a gifted gardener, and turned his tomatoes, zucchini, plums and apples into signature dishes for his family. His rose garden provided beautiful blooms for his wife.

Jim was preceded in death by five brothers and eight sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Kiyoko; daughter Louise Martin, her husband Chris Martin and their children Jessica, Daniel, Jordan and Davis; daughter Mary Braswell, her husband Warren Wolfswinkel and their son Will; and daughter Lisa Braswell and her husband Michael Gonos.

Visitation 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, followed by memorial at Mt. View Mortuary, 570 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino. Interment at 2 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, vfwfoundation.org.