James Wesley Brannon

James Wesley Brannon, age 87, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021. James was born June 24, 1933 in Bessemer, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Ligon Brannon and Katherine Chamblee Brannon; and sister, Helen Raye Barger. He grew up in the Bessemer area except for the time during World War 2 when the family moved to Mobile. His father worked in a shipyard there building ships to support the war effort. After the war they moved back to Bessemer. Jim joined the Navy at 17 years of age. Shortly after boot camp, he was assigned to the USS LSMR-409. The 409 soon deployed to the Korean Peninsula to fight in the war there. After returning to the US, he went home on leave. While at home, he met the love of his life, Lavelle Newman. They married in November of 1952 and enjoyed 68 years together. Jim stayed in the Navy for 20 years, retiring in 1969. He served on ships and stations on both coasts and made several more deployments overseas, including the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Navy, Jim couldn't sit still. He became a truck driver for the next 25-plus years. He enjoyed being his own boss and having new adventures on the road. He retired from truck driving to become the spoiler of grandchildren. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 60 years and the Eastern Star over 50 years. His last membership was in Grand Bay Masonic Lodge #767 and the Order of Eastern Star #348 in Mobile. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, Alabama. Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lavelle Brannon; son, Wesley (Susan) Brannon; daughter, Diane (Morris) Bryant; grandchildren, Stephanie (David) Frazier, Barton (Julie) Brannon, Kyle (Sueanna) Bryant, William (Brittany) Brannon, and Whitney Bryant; eight great-grandchildren, and other relatives. Our thanks and gratitude go to the staff of the William F. Green Alabama State Veterans home for their care of him the past three years. Due to Covid restrictions, a private service for the immediate family will be held. In memory donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.serenityfuneralhome.com for the Brannon family.

Tributes

James Wesley Brannon

June 24, 1933 - January 9, 2021