Jimmie Brannan

Jim Brannan, age 80, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Born in 1945, in Jacksonville, Illinois, Jim was the youngest son of Harold and Aileen (Young) Brannan.

Jim grew up in Virginia, Illinois, and graduated from Virginia High School in 1963, where he was known as an outstanding athlete who excelled in multiple sports. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Southern Illinois University, a foundation that launched a successful and respected career in the railroad industry.

In 1965, Jim married Janis Minor in Carbondale, Illinois. Together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage, raising three children: Scott of Charlotte, North Carolina; Senta (deceased, 1986); and Angela (Bill) Mokry of Montgomery, Texas. Jim was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Jack, Carly, Aspen, Kate, Ryan, and Lauren.

JJ spent the majority of his professional life working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and later Union Pacific Railroad, where he frequently moved around the country and served as a Sales Director. He was admired not only for his business acumen, but also for his mentorship and leadership. Many colleagues credit Jim for helping shape their careers, and he remained a trusted friend and advisor long after his retirement in 2003.

Outside of work, Jim was a runner, an avid golfer, a lover of sports cars and motorcycles, and a passionate supporter of his grandchildren’s many activities. He and Janis loved to watch professional sporting events, attend the theatre, watch their favorite tv shows together and spend time with their grandchildren. They traveled frequently to visit family and made time for family and friends, near and far.

Jim is remembered as intelligent, a talented businessman, a loyal friend, a guiding mentor, and above all, a family man. His allegiance as a husband, father, grandfather and friend will be cherished. Everyone who knew Jim found him to be dependable and exceedingly generous! He worked so very hard his entire life. His strength, wisdom, and love were the foundation of his family.

If the measure of a man’s life is the people they leave behind who love them, and will miss their presence, then Jim was a wealthy man indeed…

Preceding Jim in death are daughter, Senta; parents, Harold and Aileen; brother; Dennis; sister, Mary Jean;

Remaining to cherish Jim’s memory are his spouse: Janis; children, Scott and Angie (Bill); grandchildren, Jack, Carly, Aspen, Kate, Ryan and Lauren; Brother and Sister in-laws; Carolyn, Pam & David, Kathy & Jim, Cindy & Mike, nieces and nephews; Theresa, Robin, Greg, Shawn, Valerie, Chris, Blake, Elizabeth, Jeff, Erin, Dan, Matthew, Kristin and Becky, and many beloved friends.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will be planned by the family at a later date when he will be laid to rest in Virginia, Illinois, beside his parents and beloved daughter.

If you have a story or memory of Jim that brings a smile to your face, his family would love to hear it. angie4lark@gmail.com