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James Brayton Obituary
He was born on September 17, 1959, in Pasadena, California and married Jennifer Michelle Burton on November 22, 2003 in Midland. Their family life filled Jim's last few years with tremendous joy. His face was beaming after the birth of their son, Caleb, and he had greatly anticipated the birth of their little girl.
Jim grew up in Pasadena, California before moving to Lamar, Colorado when he was 13. He graduated from Lamar High School, and then graduated from Colorado School of Mines, with his degree in Petroleum Engineering. He came to Midland in 1981 and was working for POGO Producing at the time of his death as a Petroleum Engineer.
Having met Jesus his Savior as a teenager at camp, he took seriously his relationship with God. One of his greatest desires was that he would show Christ to those around him. He was a faithful member of Mid-Cities Community Church for 19 years, where he served as a leader of a men's group. He was the anonymous benefactor of many whose needs came to his attention.
Jim loved the outdoors, jogging, hiking and anything in the mountains. It was while jogging that he would spend time alone with God in prayer. In fact, he was doing that just before he stepped into eternity, leaving to his son and daughter a heritage of humor, generosity and a determined pursuit of God's grace.
Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Michelle Brayton of Midland; one year old son, Caleb James Brayton; a soon to be born daughter; his parents, Roger and Joan Brayton of Midland; one sister & brother-in-law, Deborah and James Scott of Anaheim, California; one brother, John Brayton of Gardena, California; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Vicky Burton of Midland; and one sister-in-law, Andrea Burton of Levelland.
Though he left the earth much too soon for those who love him, the impact of his life will long be felt in the lives of others.
The family requests that memorials be made to Mid-Cities Community Church, 7401 WCR 60, Midland, Texas 79707.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Brayton
Sponsored by Deborah Scott, sister.
Mike Burton
December 13, 2019
Still miss your presence, Jim, and wise council. Your kids, Caleb and Gabbie, are both coming into their adolescent years with a love of God and all things good. Both live to run and are good in math. Jennifer is a great mother, by any measure, and awesome is the adjective I hear most from people when they are telling me about her. Love you man.
Felicia Pierce-Bundick
September 18, 2019
What a legacy you left and a what a hole you left in so many people's hearts. Your birthday was yesterday! Jerry and I were thinking about you!
October 10, 2014
Thank you
Sharon Allison. Mom, Joan Brayton.
Sharon
Sharon Allison
February 2, 2014
Jimb aka Jimbo,
I met you through my ex whom worked with you when you both latched on to Gulf Oil back in 81 on Penbrook. You joined our singles group and were at our home many times in Gardendale. So, solid in the word and your faith. Proud of you...a wonderful testimony to the love of God and his son Jesus. I was glad I knew you. We all had many laughs and good conversations. Save me a seat as well.
In Christ,
Jennifer Burton Brayton Wetherbee
December 22, 2012
Thanks, Daddy. Me too. Love you guys...
Mike Burton
December 16, 2011
Hey,
I return here from time to time to reflect on the life of Jim Brayton, he touched so many people in such a positive way. So many are so thankful for the way he lived his life and the legacy he left. Me included. I am thankful for the many blessings that have come my family's way during the 5 years since Jim's passing to Heaven. But I still miss him and look forward to our reunion someday.
Miles Brayton
July 31, 2011
Just searching Brayton Ancestory and came across the Obituary Of James Brayton My Grandfather was James Edward Brayton.
Montie Miller
August 4, 2008
To the family of James Brayton
Jim took me in as a young teenager on the streets and in trouble. I will always remember the love that Jim shared with me in the form of spirituality in real life lessons like accountability and a hundred other things. Even though I was not able to sustain the actions necessary to honor the love that was given to me and again fell to the ways of the world it was always Jim's words that would give me direction and courage to keep trying. I know that his loss in heartbreaking, but there is always a reason even if we can't see. I owe Jim so much. If there is anything that I can do I would do it.
Tommye Hull
January 6, 2007
Jennifer, We are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you and your precious son in our prayers.
Tommye and John Hull
Brent Heigold
January 3, 2007
I never met James but I work with his brother John. My prayers are with you all. May God give you strength in these times.
Brent.
Brenda Imken
December 31, 2006
Jennifer, My Heart & Prayers go out to you and Caleb..
(And also to all of Jim's family and many friends)....
I pray that things will get easier as time heals, and please know that you are thought about often and loved very much. I know God has good things in store for you, you are SUCH a very strong person, and I admire you! I thought that Jim's Service was Awesome and the most Beautiful Service I have ever been to. Please know that I am here for you and the babies anytime, so please call me if you need anything at all.. We All Love You! ~Brenda~
David Burton
December 28, 2006
Jennifer, I'm so sad for you and all of Jim's family and friends who loved him so much. I pray for all of your broken hearts. Please call me anytime you need to talk. I love you so much, Uncle Dave.
Warren Brayton
December 27, 2006
Jim is my nephew. I have known Jim his entire life. I received a Christmas card from him and Jennifer just a day before hearing of his death. I looked at the photo of Jennifer, Jim and Caleb and was so happy for them. I knew Jim was a good Christian but didn't know just how good a Christian he had become.
I flew to Midland to attend his funeral. During the week there, I met a lot of friends and family member and learned so much of Jim's good works of which he never spoke or boasted.
Jim had brought many to the Lord and was doing the same to his last day on the earth. I attended his Monday night fellowship meeting and was touched by the many words of praise and thanks from those there. Jim life was one of humbly serving Christ and always one of taking that extra effort to bring the lost to the Lord.
I had the pleasure some time ago to climb a high mountain(Long's Peak) with my nephew. I know now that his Christian walk has taken him to much higher heights and that I have much work to do with my walk. Jim you are an inspiration to me.
Jim's family...I know the lost and void that I feel and know that your lost is many times as great. I pray that God will give you strength and comfort you. Jim left a living legacy in those who lives he touched and in the young family left behind.
Deborah Scott
December 27, 2006
Last Thursday I went out for a run. I travelled the route I had followed so many times before when visiting family in Midland . . . but this time was distinctly different from all those previous outings -- this would be a memorial run, the thoughts that filled my head as I plodded along dominated by the knowledge that I was literally following in my brother Jim's final footsteps and that I would be passing the very spot where he had collapsed during a late-night run less than a week earlier and then 'stepped into eternity', as it is so fittingly phrased in his obituary.
It is hard to believe that mere days ago plans were in progress for a happy West Texas family get-together over the Christmas holiday. Who would have thought that Jim's untimely demise would be the prelude to that family gathering, shifting its focus from an occasion of joyful celebration to one of sorrowful goodbyes?
One of the last pictures displayed as part of the photo montage at the end of Jim's funeral service was one taken less than six months ago during our most recent family rendezvous in California. It is a posed group shot -- at its center are my mom and brothers and me, decked out in our running attire after the local 4th of July Firecracker 5K/10K race we had just completed. Smiling faces during happier times. I learned later that the t-shirt Jim earned for participating in that race was the very one he was wearing during his final run on this earth. It seems appropriate for some reason; I'm not sure why. It occurs to me that although Jim didn't win the 10K that day, he has beaten all of us to the finish line of the only race that ultimately matters. He has, in fact, beaten us Home.
The tears I cry these days are not for Jim -- no doubt he has turned one of heaven's streets of gold into an autobahn by now. I imagine him in shorts and a tank top, behind the wheel of a souped-up celestial chariot and giving new meaning to the term 'godspeed.' Or perhaps he's simply basking in the presence of the One he loved so fervently and whose favor he sought so relentlessly while he was here among us in physical form. In any case, I know with certainty that he is just fine. Mostly it is for the rest of us I grieve -- all of us left behind who knew him variously as a husband, a son, a father, a brother, a brother-in-law, a nephew, a cousin, a son-in-law, a friend; all of us who must now go about the business of defining 'new normal' as I once heard it called.
We have our work cut out for us, to be sure.
The outpouring of love and support bestowed on my family and me the past week and a half has been nothing short of amazing. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have taken the time to put their arms around us -- literally and figuratively speaking -- and minister to our aching hearts and spirits by crying with us, praying with us, reminiscing with us, and sharing with us their stories of the many touching, poignant, and even humorous ways Jim has made a difference in their lives. Clearly his absence will be felt deeply by many for a long time to come. Our loss is yours as well.
'He was a cool brother,' my youngest brother, John, said to me as we hugged at the end of Jim's graveside service. Indeed. We couldn't have asked for better. I miss you terribly Jimbo -- goodbye for now . . . until we meet again.
Mike Burton
December 25, 2006
Thank you all for being so supportive of Jennifer, Caleb, the baby soon to be born, and our extended family. Jim Brayton is with our Lord and Savior. I am being held in the Grip of His Grace.
While here physically, Jim Brayton was the finest son in law any father could hope for his daughter. And you, his friends and companions for the past many years, are an inspiration to me.
Got Milk ?
December 24, 2006
Psalms 127:3
December 24, 2006
The Good Life
December 24, 2006
Caleb Safe in His Father's Arms
December 24, 2006
FASTER DADDY , GO FASTER
December 23, 2006
Frank Brayton
December 23, 2006
My favorite memories of Jim are of our family reunions in the Colorado Rockies. It has been some years now since our last meeting but I can vividly remember how happy Jim was to be with his extended family. He always seemed to be smiling and ready for adventure.
I am most grateful that Jim found Jennifer in his life. He deserved the happiness his marriage brought. Jim and Jennifer's son Caleb is a beautiful boy, I can see Jim in him. Caleb's sister will be yet another blessing.
My wife Kelly and I send our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Jennifer.
I hope to see you again someday cousin.
Daphne Greer
December 22, 2006
Jennifer - I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. I hope your memories bring you comfort.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Cathleen Wright
December 21, 2006
Jennifer,
God's loving grace brought you and Jim together, and His grace will sustain and support you now. Although I only met Jim on a few occasions, I am inspired by what I have heard of the life he led. Even after life, Jim continues his work to bring others closer to Christ. I love you and am praying for you and your family!
Scott Handlin
December 21, 2006
Dear Jennifer and family,
Jim and I became friends in 1992, when we were in a Mid Cities singles group together, sponsored by Glen & Brenda Lanbrano. Not long after we became acquainted, he leased one of his apartments to me that I rented for years. Jim jokingly referred to himself as the 'slumlord' and I'll always remember those Monday night bbq's just a few doors down, at his place, and that old grill that I borrowed from time to time. It was here that I became acquainted with those who were closest to him at that time: Glen & Brenda, Jerry and Arnold. Almost every night, he would jog from his apartment to a predetermined route around Mission, and back again. You could almost set your watch by it. Through the years, we participated in Friday night dinners at predetermined restaurants, Saturday morning breakfasts at Oscar's, with lots of activities thrown into the mix. During those single years, 'bachelor to the rapture' was his rallying cry. Jim always seemed to be on the go, from golf games to hanging out with his friends, to our tennis ‘grudge’ matches, there seemed to be an endless stream of events. Still, he seemed to somehow find quality time with his family. The guys really said it best: Jim had a need for speed, and hated to drive slow; he despised the heat and longed for the coolness of the Colorado rockies, shorts and t-shirt in 30 degrees. Several times, I walked in on a heated phone debate between he and Jerry: religion, politics, it didn’t seem to matter! Most of all, though, you could count on Jim when you really needed a friend.
Last Wednesday, I met Valeria at her office building just after lunch. As I was waiting for her, Jim held the door open for a lady, and then walked into the lobby. He talked to us for 15 minutes or more, and as we parted, I said, "Merry Christmas, Jim, to you and your family if I do not see you before then." As we shook hands, he said, "Oh, you’ll probably see me before then." He turned toward the elevator, and little did I know this would be our last conversation. Even though Valeria and Jim worked in the same building, she said she never saw him. To me, it was a divine appointment, those unexplainable kindred moments that God gifts you with. I believe that God gave me a final opportunity to say 'hello' and 'goodbye' one last time before he departed this life. It saddens me, because we were just starting to get reconnected; but I'm very thankful for the chance I had to talk with him, if only for the last time.
John Scott
December 21, 2006
To Jenifer and The Brayton Family,
We like to think back to our time this past summer with you all and reflect how happy everyone was to be together. We'll always have that memory to keep Jim in our hearts and hope you continue on that togetherness during this time of loss. Love, John Gina Kayla Alyssa Jaxson
Felicia and Jerry Bundick
December 21, 2006
Jennifer,
It is difficult to express the feelings I am still dealing with. I don't quite understand why I am having the difficulty I am. Jim was so special to Jerry that he became such an important part of my life as well, just as you did when you married him. I loved his playfullness and the fact that I could verbally spar with him anytime I felt in an onry mood. I think my difficulty comes with the fact I took our friendship (as a couple) for granted. He's always been there for Jerry and I and I never wanted to believe that at any moment he wouldn't be. Jerry's healing began with the Monday night Men's meeting on December 18th. It was just the spiritual food he needed. Jim would probably be telling us both right now to get over it. He used to say that so often. Time heals all wounds and I know mine will heal as well. But we loved him. Your children could not have been blessed with anyone as superior than Jim. We will always be here for you and Jim will always be in our hearts.
Andrea Burton
December 21, 2006
Debbie,
Thanks for doing this website. It's encouraging so many people. I will be praying for you and John and your parents continually! See you in a couple days,
Andrea
Jill Sparks
December 21, 2006
Precious Jennifer, Jim's service was so beautiful. While my heart was breaking, I so strongly felt God's very peace in that place. That peace that doesn't make sense...We felt honored to be there. Please know that we are lifting you up to our Lord fervently. I love you, my friend.
Jill Sparks
Jackie Allen
December 21, 2006
Jennifer: The love you shared with Jim was a light in your eyes and smiles that everyone could see and feel when around you and your sweet Caleb. Clay said that the service was really special. How could it have been otherwise? What a wonderful legacy of love Jim leaves you and your babies! I love you and will be praying for you continually...Jackie
Gary Thomas
December 21, 2006
I have worked with Jim for around 7 years. We saw a lot of changes here. I was there when Jennifer worked at Saga and met Jim. We always kidded him about the daughter he was dating. I will say, the happiest I ever saw him was after he met Jennifer. Jim will be missed. I will miss him as a coworker, but most importantly as a friend.
Mary Burkholder - Overton
December 20, 2006
Jennifer - I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I know we haven't kept in touch, but I have thought about the two of you. I remember the last time I saw you and Jim was at Academy and the two of you were so happy. I am so, so sorry. My prayers are with you and your family.
Rick and Brenda Fox
December 20, 2006
Jennifer, Brenda and I know your hurting right now, but our Lord's Peace that passes understanding will guard your heart throughout the coming years. We got to know Jim at Mid-Cities and during his many nightly travels around Mission Dorado. We could always count on Jim to be there as we're sure you could also. We are sure that your time with Jim in this life and the little children that God has blessed you with will sustain Jim's memory and love for God for generations to come.Jim, I wonder if you can still run where your at now? Hope so.
We love you both, and miss him also. Rick and Brenda
Rene & Mira Marquez
December 20, 2006
Jennifer:
We, as you, already miss Jim. We will never forget his smile, sense of humor and the joy we saw in him when he was with you and Caleb. You brought this previously confirmed bachelor, much love and joy. His faith and love will live on through your (our) memories of him and his love for the Lord will forever shine, for we know Jim touched many lives in a very special way. Thank you for letting us be a witness to how the love between two people who love the Lord evolves. We enjoyed watching the two of you, as you met, dated and eventually became Husband and Wife and parents. What a priviledge to watch. May God bless you, Caleb and "Baby Lulu" always. He walks with you daily. We love you my friend. Please know that we will never forget Jim, you, Caleb or "Lulu". We are here for you. Hugs and kisses always.
Kent Gantz
December 20, 2006
Jim, I met you at Gulf Oil in '82 or '83, you were a rookie, I wasn't much more. We worked together on a great team, we became friends. Then events and time parted our ways. I saw you only twice since 1990 or so. I should have called, but didn't, 'wished I had seen you more, and didn't, and now you'er gone. I will miss you, but I know your heart, and in The End I will see you and we'll be friends, again. So good bye for now and save me a seat, near the front. Who knows when I'll be there, too.
Kristina Garcia
December 20, 2006
My prayers to Jennifer and all the family. I cannot say I understand but God certainly does.
Felix and Kristina Garcia and Family
Phil Miller
December 20, 2006
Jennifer and family,
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Jim at Parker & Parsley / Pioneer Natural Resources during 1997-98. Four things stand out about Jim in my memory of him: his frugality, his concern about lunch each day, his passing me with his car in the parking garage after work one day; and most importantly, his faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. He leaves a great legacy for you and the children.
Regards,
Glenn Curry
December 20, 2006
our prayers are with your family during this difficult time
Glenn and Laura Curry
Paul Baskin
December 20, 2006
I was sad for you Jennifer to learn of the passing of your husband from this life through my friend Betty. I saw how much you loved and cared for each other the night I met you both. May the Lord encourage you and hold you in His strength and by His Spirit.
Jon Lindgren
December 20, 2006
Jim’s sense of humor, dry and sometimes out of place, rings clear his consistency in everything he did. As a close brother in Christ and mentor to him in his early new believer days, Jim’s need for quick pun and an off-the-topic joke usually left you smiling while scratching your head at the same time. At one time Jerry Bundick, Jim and I pledged to be, “bachelor’s to the rapture”, but Jim’s bachelor days surpassed the both of us by almost two decades. In the twenty three years of friendship I don’t think we ever shook hands on the first try, because when I reached for his hand, Jim would pull his hand back and act as if he was raising his hand only to comb his hair.
I smile when I think of Jim because he was a real person and under that fun loving character was a man who met real needs. He was faithful to honor God, spend time with his loved ones and was always willing to support both the physical and financial efforts to help others. As we grew apart with age I watched him mature to the Godly man I still strive to be. He appeared a simple man, yet his depth of character was revealed through his consistent life actions, which represented stability to many of us. When I look back at his life example I consider him my mentor. My prayers are with his family and may the Lord comfort you in this time.
Mario,Leslie and Aiden Zepeda
December 20, 2006
Jennifer our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you and may God be with you always.
Jeremiah Cope
December 20, 2006
Jimbo,
You are such an awesome guy. I remember years ago when my parents didn't let us kids watch the TV but on certain occasions you would ring our doorbell with your TV on your shoulder and movies in hand so that we could watch a flick. Every since than i have really loved you. HAHA!! Your heart, compassion, love, and excitment for anything and everything has impacted me in a big way and I know many others would say the same. I love you and I look forward to seeing you soon in a really sweet environment. Your Awesome! Well Done Jim!
-Jeremiah
September 2006
John & Kim Cope
December 19, 2006
Two of Jim's favorite Bible characters were Caleb, and Enoch. Caleb put his faith in God, believing and standing courageously when others doubted. Caleb of course is the name given to Jim and Jennifer's son who turned one year old the same day Jim left us here on earth.
Enoch, though is who immediately came to my mind as an example of Jim. Jim talked of Enoch on more than one occasion. Enoch wanted to know God and spent time talking and walking with God. Jim did the same when he went jogging. Like Enoch, Jim "walked with God, and then he was no more, for God took him away." (Genesis 5: 24) What a wonderful legacy ! Jennifer, Braytons we love you. We will all see Jim again soon.
Mike Banas
December 19, 2006
Jennifer we are praying for you. Even tonight at a small group in McKinney we were lifting you and the children to our Father in heaven. May His Grace and Peace be poured out to you.
Alan Roberts
December 19, 2006
I worked w/ Jim both at Kerr McGee then at Parker & Parsley. He was always one of the best liked people in our group. He enjoyed a challenge to his engineering mind.
Josie Munoz
December 19, 2006
As an unknown neighbor, my family and I were arriving home before paramedics arrived at the scene. We prayed as a family for the lord to perform a miracle and save him. From our family to yours we wanted to share our condolences.
Joel Moorvitch
December 19, 2006
Though I never met James in person, heard many nice things about him from his sister Deborah. May God comfort you all at this time. I am sure James is looking after you all from heaven and will protect you in the future.
Liz Chaffin
December 19, 2006
Although I didn't know Jim all that well, I know how happy and blessed he made Jennifer! My prayers surround you all.
Debbie Vickers
December 19, 2006
It doesn't seem so long ago that we were all running around in the Lighthouse and Mid-Cities Single groups. That will always be a special time in my life because of the close friendships we all shared together. Everyone had a special gift from God. Jim was a wonderful inspiration to us all because of his deeply felt commitment to God. We teased him because he wouldn't do anything without praying about it, but that was Jim and what we loved about him. My prayers are with the family, and his little ones, I'm so glad to know he found a special someone in his life. God Bless you all.
Dede Graham
December 19, 2006
Knowing Jim has been a blessing being part of our family
has been a special gift.
I give thanks to God
for Jim touching our lives
he will be missed greatly
until we meet again ~
Chris Hodge
December 19, 2006
It was a blessing to have been able to know Jim as a friend and co-worker. He was a truly wonderful man, friend, husband & father.
Leslyn Wallace
December 19, 2006
May God continue to work in the lives of Jim's family.
Kim Griffin
December 19, 2006
Well done Jim. I'm sure those were the first words you heard when you met your Savior.
Phyllis Edwards
December 19, 2006
Jennifer & family,
Jim's obituary is a beautiful tribute to his life.
Love in Christ,
Cindy & Erica Lee
December 19, 2006
Our love and prayers are with you.
Morgan McClain
December 19, 2006
Jim is such a blessing. I know that his legacy of passion for Christ and unconditional love will live on through his beautiful family. God is a good God.
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