James "Jim" H. Brannon Jr.

Jim was born at Ft. Benning Military Hospital and grew up on the family farm in LaGrange, Georgia. After graduating from Troup County High School, he earned his undergraduate degree in 1966 and his master’s degree in 1967 from the University of Georgia. In 1975 he earned an additional master’s degree from the University of Utah, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning.

He lived in Fort Worth, Texas before making his home in Sandy Springs, where he lived most of his adult life and raised his family with his beloved wife, Mary Ann Warthen Brannon, whom he married on June 14, 1975. Together they shared a life rooted in loyalty and quiet devotion, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary last year.

Jim spent the majority of his professional life serving others through his work with the U.S. Public Health Service, where he was employed from 1968 until his retirement in 1998. After retiring, Jim continued his public service with the Georgia Department of Human Resources from 1999 to 2003. In later years, he followed a longtime passion for the outdoors by working part-time at Smith & Hawken and becoming a master gardener.

Jim showed his love not through grand gestures, but through unwavering presence. He was a devout supporter of his family, always there, always paying attention. He rarely missed a moment that mattered, whether it was a school event, a race, or a performance. He loved gardening, woodworking, and building things, and was known for being creative and crafty. Travel was another joy in his life, especially trips to England, where he delighted in exploring the countryside with his family. In more recent years, he cherished time spent on family trips to Hilton Head, enjoying the slower pace and time together.

Jim is survived by his two children, James Harding Brannon III (Gwen) and Mary Warthen Brannon. He was a proud grandfather to William Harding Brannon and Andrew Benjamin Brannon. He is also survived by his brother, Joe Brannon of Dallas, Texas; nephews Ash Brannon (Nicole McMath) of Orlando, FL; Geoff Brannon (Kirsten) of Alpharetta, GA; and niece Elizabeth Woodall Biber (Jay) of Charlotte, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Brannon, Sr. and Mae Ashley Foster; his nephew Michael Woodall; and his beloved yellow lab, Lucy.

A man of faith and a longtime member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Jim’s Christian beliefs were the foundation for the way he lived and loved. His legacy is found not only in his years of public service, but in the example he set for his family—of consistency, humility, and care for others.

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at Kellett Chapel at Peachtree Church, 3434 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305 on Tuesday, January 27 at 2:00 P.M. with visitation immediately following in the Williams Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Respite Care Atlanta at https://www.respitecareatlanta.org/donate/.