James William Brannam

James William Brannam, 81, also known as Jimmy, Dad & Grampy, was welcomed into the arms of Christ on Wednesday, February 4, 2015. It was also the moment he was reunited with his beloved wife, Jean. Jimmy peacefully stepped into the Kingdom of Heaven at 1:46 am with his son, Keith and daughter-in-law by his side in their Laguna Hills home, where he lived the last 4 and a half months. Jimmy is survived by his sons, Mitchell Raymond & James Keith; daughter-in-law, Andrea; granddaughters, Naya & Kayla; sister, Dorothy; many nieces & nephews; and dear friends.

Jimmy was born on June 21, 1933 in Louisville, Kentuky to his loving father, James Earnest Brannam, and mother, Mary Etta Holaman. Jimmy grew up with two sisters and a brother. As a young child, he learned good work ethic while diligently helping with the family farm. After high-school, on Nov. 10, 1953, Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was on active duty for two years, stationed in Germany as a tank commander for a year and a half; earning two medals: The National Defense Service Medal and The Army of Occupation Medal. He remained in the Army Reserves until Nov. 10, 1961. At the age of 23, Jimmy married his beloved Glenda Jean Critser in Evansville, Indiana. September 15, 1956 marked the beginning of an eternal love story that lasted 58 years here on Earth. This love story included the adoptions of both their sons. Jimmy was a hard worker and faithful provider to his family, from driving a truck for Pepsi-Co, working the docks, to selling life-insurance. He eventually went to school and learned computer programming and operations, which led to his career of 40 years working for Mcdonnell Douglas/Boeing in Long Beach, CA.

When Jimmy was not hard at work, he enjoyed fishing, camping trips at the Salton Sea, water-skiing, hunting, and just being outdoors. He also had a voracious appetite for the written word, spending countless hours engrossed into his favorite novels. On October 30, 1997 Jimmy earned the title of “Grampy” with the birth of his first granddaughter and reading companion, Naya Jean Brannam. Not long after, on April 6, 1999 his second granddaughter was born, Kayla Danielle Brannam whom stole his heart. Naya and Kayla lit up Jimmy’s life, and emptied his wallet since he loved to spoil them. Jimmy’s unconditional love, faith in Christ, constant humility, persistent kindness, quiet gentleness, and strong perseverance not only strengthened his relationships, but carried him through many trials with his health; including throat cancer, diabetes, and coronary heart disease.

"We find comfort in knowing that Jimmy chose to live for Christ, repented of his sins, and honored God with the life he lived. We thank God for the gift of Jimmy’s 81 years of life, the blessing of the time we spent with him, and the gift of his eternal life in heaven. -- John 5:24 (Jesus said) “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."

James William Brannam was dearly loved by all who knew him and he will be sorely missed. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 12:00pm at Calvary Chapel Hemet - 26121 Hemet Street, Hemet, CA 92544.

His burial will be at the Riverside National Cemetery.