James Michael Branic passed peacefully from this life on July 7, 2021. Jim was born on May 28, 1929, in Altoona, PA, to Andrew J. Branic and Julia F. Stroker Branic. After graduating Altoona High School, Jim went on to serve in the US Army 198th Field Artillery during the Korean War.
In 1953, he married Patricia M. Rowan of Altoona, PA. Soon after, they relocated to Baltimore, MD, where he worked for Martin Corporation as a defense contractor, eventually retiring in 1992 from Westinghouse Defense.
Jim and Pat proudly raised four children: Mary P. Heckel (Richard) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Francine A. Minogue of Louisville, CO; Gregory J. Branic (Kimberly) of Leesburg, VA; Michael J. Branic (Mary) of Trappe, MD. He loved and enjoyed his ten grandchildren: Christine Latour, Carolyn Mimms, Catherine Minogue, Lauren Minogue, Nicholas Branic, Alexa Branic, Benjamin Branic, Claire Branic, Ian Branic, and Emily Branic. Jim was blessed with four great-grandchildren.
In 1966, they built a home in Forest Hill, MD. For over fifty years, Jim was an avid gardener who loved being outdoors. He meticulously rebuilt a 1939 Dodge and was an expert pinochle player. Jim and Pat were active and devoted members of St. Margaret Parish. Jim never watched a western he didn’t love!
Jim is survived by his brother, Bernard Branic, of Johnstown, PA, and is predeceased by his siblings Paul Branic, Cecilia Gearhart, Margaret St. John, and Francis Branic.
He is remembered by his special niece, Linda Cain, and her partner, Barbara Jones, devoted, supportive, and caring beyond words.
Visitation is July 25, 2021, from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at Schimunek Funeral Home, Bel Air, MD. A Requiem mass will be held July 26th at 10am at St. Margaret Church, Bel Air, MD. Interment immediately following at Highview Memorial Gardens.
