ABERDEEN, Md. — James was born on July 9, 1929 in White Pine to his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Warren Charles Branner. At the age of 12, he gave his life to Christ and was a member of Salem Mis- sionary Baptist Church in White Pine. After high school, he was called to active duty in the U.S. Army for two years, beginning Aug. 25, 1950. At the end of his two years of service, he attended Swift Memorial Junior College and Knoxville College.
He enlisted again in the U.S. Army through the Army Reserves on April 8, 1958. In his rise from the ranks of Private to the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major, he served in a variety of leadership positions and assignments during war and peace. His military and civilian schooling cultivated with his earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New York. His awards and decorations include: 2nd Meritorious Service Medal, 2nd Army Commendation Medal, 7th Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal 60, and German Schutzenschnur.
After his military retirement on Aug. 31, 1982, he began his civilian career at Fort Meade, Md., and later at Aberdeen Proving Ground for 12 years. After his retirement on March 31, 1994, he continued his membership in the Protestant worship service in Aberdeen Proving Post Chapel, and was a member of the Protestant men of the chapel. He served as chapel usher and volunteered to do other work as needed. He is a member of Jesse J. Shanks Lodge #137, Prince Hall Military Consistory #304, ASWAN Temple (Shrine) #115, 33rd degree Mason and a member of the U.S. Supreme Council. He is a life-member of the Veterans of Foreign War, Vietnam Veterans of America, and a Disabled American Veterans Association, AARP, and American Legion.
He passed away on January 1, 2012.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret Clark Delaney Branner of Aberdeen, Md. (formerly of Rogersville); his sons, Mark Anthony of Perryville, Md., James Steven (Carey Ann) of Brookville, Md., and Ricky O’Brian (Valerie) of Sherwood, Oreg.; seven grandchildren, Shelanda Marie Beville Ellis, Iris Nicole Sconion, Ian Anthony Curtis, Mark Anthony Dale Branner, Miracle Lorriane Rose Branner, Chelsey Lauren Branner and Erick O’Brian Branner; five great-grandchildren: Brandon Bryan Beville, Ariana Marie Beville, Gianna LeShell Ellis, Ina Nicole Sconion Willis, and Ian Joseph Williams; brother, Escoe Branner of Manhattan, N.Y; sisters, Anna Lynn Hattan (Samuel) of Indianapolis, Ind., and Lobelia Martin of Morristown, Dorothy Imogene Alford of Covington, Ga.; special nieces and nephews, Malcolm Branner, Patricia Branner Pierce, Don and Patricia Watts, Terry and Jean Moore, Fonda Kay Summerville and son, and a host of others; special friends Norma Jean Bowers, Fred and Betty Fugate, Imogene Fugate, May Wallace, Roy Dennis, Eddie and Frances Long, Julius Walker, Gerald Matthews, Roy and Carol Tatum, Rev. Cordell Hunter, George and Linda Blake, and a host of other friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, the Rev. and Mrs. Warren Charles Branner; siblings Alvin, Arnold, Rementna, and Ruby.
A viewing will be held at 11 a.m. and a celebration service at 12 noon Saturday, both at Russell Chapel AME Zion Church, 307 N. Hasson St., Rogersville.
Interment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4997 Memorial Blvd., Kingsport, Tenn. 37664.
Please sign the guestbook at www.eastlawnkingsport.com
