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Jimmy Brannan Obituary
Born on Oct. 8, 1936, Jimmy left Johnston County, N.C., to relocate to Newport News in 1956 where he began working in the Newport News Shipyard. Once he was old enough, Jimmy joined the Newport News Police Department and retired after 30 years of service. He also worked with his brother, Dick Brannan, at Brannan's Esso in Newport News for many years, where he acquired many friends. Jimmy was quick to tell a joke and laugh at one. He was happy go lucky and was loved by many people.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Ransom Brannan and Dora Barham of Johnston County, N.C.; his son, Terry W. Brannan; five brothers, Aaron Brannan, Eddie Brannan, Lester Brannan, Odell Brannan, and Dick Brannan; five sisters, Lela Andrews, Thelma Hicks, Dorothy Godwin, Audrey Corbett and Tene Glover.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 12 years, Madonna Louise Brannan; his daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Robert and Rhonda Garcia and Jimmy Matthew Blackwell of Smithfield; a brother, Stephen Brannan of Goldsboro, N.C.; a sister, Snip Throckmorton of Kinston, N.C.; stepsons, Danny Russell of Gloucester, Marty Russell of Gloucester, Derek and Kessa Russell of Hampton; four stepgrandchildren, Heather Russell and Meghan Russell of Fla., Sophia Russell and Hannah Russell of Hampton; 'adopted daughter', Kathy Outten of Smithfield; and a myriad of friends, nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his granddog, Sam.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News. The funeral service by Pastor Jared Arango will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Peninsula Pentecostal Church, 404 Sharon Drive, Newport News, with a graveside service following immediately at Hampton Memorial Gardens with Police Honors.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jimmy Brannan
Anna Shelton
April 23, 2009
Dear Rhonda & family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you and pray that He will lift you up in all times good and bad.
Marcia Kincaid
April 23, 2009
I have always enjoyed the stories my mom, Jean, shared with us about my Great Uncle. My family will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this most difficult time.
David Baudier Sr.
April 22, 2009
Condolences to all of Jimmy's family. I had the pleasure of working with Jimmy on the NNPD in the 70's and he was always there for his co-workers.
Roy/Charlotte Heath
April 21, 2009
Jim was a very close friend, always had a joke to tell. He would do anything he could to help anyone. Jim did not have any enemies. For 10 plus years he was a very good neighbor. The good Lord now has a good worker.
April 20, 2009
You all are in our prayers. I have known the Brannan family since 1961 and considered Jim a very dear and close friend. Jim will surely be missed by all.
Love and Preayers, Joe & Velma(Todd) Hamilton
Jimmy Heath
April 20, 2009
Jim made sure everyone around was smiling and more than likely doubled over in laughter. Now we know our Heavenly Father and all the angels are doing the same. His sense of humor and laughter will live on in all of those he touched.
May the spirit of the Lord be with you all in this time of loss.
Capt. Tom Lee (Ret.)
April 20, 2009
Jimmy was a good friend and a fine police officer. My years with Jimmy on the NNPD provided many good memories. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Madonna and the entire Brannan family.
Gary, Sue & Family
April 20, 2009
Madonna,
We send our condolences to you and your family at this time. May God bring peace, and comfort to you all.
Nancy Bridges(Davis)
April 20, 2009
Danny,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your step-father. I did not know you lived in Gloucester. Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Charles and Sonia Brannan
April 20, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. I remember Jimmy hanging out at the gas station with his brothers, Dick and Aaron. Jimmy was always joking around and keeping us laughing. He was just so full of life!
When we went fishing, we could always count on Jimmy to be appreciative of our "special catches".
I think Jimmy was truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. His surviving wife, Madonna, has been so loving and supportive in the toughest of times. His daughter, Rhonda is one of those rare living angels. We love you all. Charles and Sonia Brannan
Bryan Bowyer
April 20, 2009
To the Brannan Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Jimmy many years ago. I can't think of him without smiling.
May GOD help you through this difficult time.
Kathy Outten, Steve Adams and Michael Hogue
April 19, 2009
I have known the Brannan family for 40 years, and a member of the Brannan family for 12 years.There was no man more wonderfully amazing than Jimmy Brannan.We have witnessed Jimmy as a loving husband, grandfather,father,stepfather, brother-in-law,and friend. We will always cherish him with loving memories. Jimmy's sense of humor brought a ray of sunshine with every joke he told.
Jimmy "Pops" is with our Heavenly Father now, doing what he does best making everyone laugh, and we know, "Laughter is good for the soul".
Stacey, Katelynne and Haley
April 19, 2009
We wish the Lord's greatest relief and loving touch for all those who lost such a great man.
Rhonda Brannan-Garcia
April 19, 2009
My dad was the toughest man I have ever known. He went through so much physically and fought till the end. He always took good care of his family and made sure that I had everything I needed and nearly everything I wanted. He was always friendly to everyone he met and had many many friends. I am so proud of him and proud to be his daughter. He is probably telling jokes to the angels right now and they are probably rolling all over heaven. That would be what dad would be doing...trying to make other people happy before himself.
BECKY GODWIN
April 19, 2009
AS A FAMILY WE ARE WITNESSING THE PASSING OF A GREAT GENERATION. I WILL MISS MY UNCLE AND WILL CHERISH ALL OF THE FOND MEMORIES I HAVE OF GROWING UP IN NEWPORT NEWS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU. I LOVE YOU GUYS. BECKY GODWIN
April 19, 2009
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home
April 19, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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