An alumnus of Fort Valley High School class of 1957, James lettered in 4 sports, including baseball, basketball, football, and track. After receiving numerous football and basketball scholarships, he chose Clemson University to play football under Coach Frank Howard.
James attended Atlanta Law School at night while working at Kraft Foods and the Ivan Allen Company. Upon graduating from ALS with a law degree, James became President of Pace Development, a Cousins Property Company, and later started his own companies, including Brand Development Corporation, Brand Property Management, Brand Investments, and James W. Brand Realty.
James enjoyed a lifelong love for the game of golf. He was a member and past President of Atlanta Country Club, serving 20 years on the Board of Directors, and he also had longstanding memberships at Atlanta Athletic Club, Mountaintop Golf Club in Cashiers, NC, and Wildcat Cliffs Country Club in Highlands, NC.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and James. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Charlotte Barnes Brand of Marietta, GA; son James William Brand III (Lisa) of St. Simons Island, GA; son Mark Alan Brand of Woodstock, GA; daughter Stacey Elizabeth Ostervold (Edward) of Marietta, GA; grandchildren Sophia Ostervold, Lars Ostervold, Mark Alan Brand, and Mitchell Brand; and his loyal Golden retriever named Honey.
The family will receive friends from 1 pm to 2 pm at H.M. Patterson and Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 on October 8th, with the service beginning at 2:00 pm. There will be a reception immediately following at Olde Towne Athletic Club, 4950 Olde Towne Parkway, Marietta, GA 30068.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Adopt-a-Golden Atlanta.
“If hearing my name only makes you sad, then don’t remember me at all.” ~James W. Brand, Jr.
