James George Branaum

James George Branaum (Jim) entered the nearer presence of our Lord on June 9, 2025. Jim was born to Doris and Robert Adams in Newark, New Jersey on January 19, 1947. Jim’s parents divorced and his mother remarried. The family moved to San Antonio, Texas, where Jim graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1965.

Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marines and spent 20 months in Vietnam as a missile technician. After his honorable discharge he attended San Antonio College and completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Trinity University where he met his wife Elizabeth.

After several years as a successful real estate agent, Jim left the industry when interest rates became double digits in the early 1980’s. He returned to Trinity University and completed a Master’s Degree in Computer and Information Science in 1983. Then he and two friends formed BIS (a computer systems company) which they operated for 4 years. In 1989 Jim went to work at NASA Ames center in California for a year, supporting super computers. He then returned to San Antonio to do software development for government contractors.

Jim’s lifelong interest in aviation manifested in many forms. He earned a commercial/instrument pilot’s license and flew recreationally for several years. He loved model aviation and filled his garage with model airplanes. He belonged to several local model aviation clubs and served as treasurer for Propbusters for 26 years.

When his children were in high school, Jim was very involved with their AFJROTC activities. He was active in the parent’s group, serving as vice president from 2006 – 2010 and president from 2011 – 2013.

Jim was a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church since 1998, serving as Junior Warden from 2007 – 2010 and Senior Warden from 2016 – 2017.

Jim is survived by his wife Elizabeth; son Douglas (wife Claire); daughter Sarah; grandsons Oliver and Milo; brothers Marc (wife Kathy) and Joe (wife Andrea); and nephew Myles (wife Melody).

Funeral services will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 4242 Bluemel Road, at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 25. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers you are invited to make donations to St. Francis Episcopal Church or Disabled American Veterans.