James Brannon Obituary, Death – At the UT Medical Center, James (Jim) T. Brannon III, 74, passed away on May 17, 2023. Jim, a graduate of LaSalle High School in Cumberland, MD, was the son of James T. Brannon Jr. and Elizabeth Graham Brannon of Mt. Savage, MD. Jim attended the University of Maryland on a football scholarship after graduating from high school in 1966. He later earned a journalism degree and graduated in 1971. Jim built a prosperous sales and marketing career, working for companies including Campbell Soup, Johnson & Johnson, and Whittle Communications/Channel One News Network.
His innovative sales strategies were well-liked in the business. Jim cherished the relationships he formed with people while working in Baltimore/Washington, Nashville, Tampa, Denver, and Knoxville. He was devoted to his family and delighted in every chance to plan pass plays in the backyard, light the grill, and observe a special occasion. In retirement, his passion for golf helped create enduring memories of his “buddies” at Willow Creek Golf Club.
He participated actively in the Smithfield Homeowners Association, attended the Farragut Presbyterian Church on a regular basis, and, along with Jane, served meals to elderly who were confined to their homes through Mobile Meals.
His parents and sister, Christine Brannon Regan, died before him. Jim is survived by his wife Jane, son Drew (Rachel), granddaughters Meg, Madi, and Nate, sister Fran Brannon Jones (Glenn), and nieces Aimee (JB) Jones Lind, Kimberly (Brian) Jones Johnson, and Erin (Mac) Jones Thom. He is also survived by his sister Fran Brannon Jones (Glenn). Sisters-in-law Ellen (Doug) Reinhart Izard and Judy Reinhart Lantz (d. Bud Lantz), nieces Paige Houston, Megan Kidd, Shannon Harmon, and nephew Gregory Caswell are also mentioned.
