James Ervin "Jim" Brandon

1955 - 2025

James "Jim" Ervin Brandon

June 24, 1955 - July 12, 2025

James "Jim" Brandon, 70, a man whose life was a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the perfect playlist, passed away on July 12, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jim was born on June 24, 1955, in La Jolla, California, to the late Don and Barbara Brandon and was the youngest brother of his two loving sisters, Jeanne and Judy. Jim's early life was a cross-country adventure due to his father's service in the U.S. Coast Guard. His family eventually settled in Oklahoma, where Jim graduated from Midwest City High School in 1973.

A standout on the high school basketball court, Jim continued his basketball career at Rose State Junior College before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. There, he embraced college life as a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, working various jobs including house boy and bartender, before earning his degree in Journalism in 1978. He then embarked on a memorable backpacking trip through Europe, a formative experience before returning to graduate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1981.

The law wasn't just a profession for Jim; it was a calling, and teaching was at its heart. He was an "AV" rated lawyer, who worked in private practice and served as a prosecutor in Oklahoma, Payne, and Logan counties, however, it was at the Tulsa County District Attorney's office where he spent the majority of his career, and where he met his future wife, Susan. His leadership skills were evident, and he became Chief of Staff in 1999. Beyond the courtroom, Jim was a gifted orator, sharing his wisdom by teaching dozens of Continuing Legal Education seminars and passionately leading trial competition teams around the country. Even after his Parkinson's diagnosis, Jim continued to inspire, leaving his mark as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tulsa College of law, where his overwhelmingly positive student evaluations were a source of immense pride.

Beyond his impressive professional life, Jim had several hobbies. He loved golf, watching movies, and most importantly, coaching his daughters in basketball. He was constantly learning, whether it was philosophy, finance, or history. Music, however, was more than just a hobby, it was a fundamental part of who he was. His appreciation spanned over decades and genres, from 60s Psychedelic/Rock, to 70's Folk Rock and 80's Alternative. He meticulously crafted playlists and CD's and shared them with anyone lucky enough to know him.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the simple details of life from teaching an inspiring lecture, sharing a thoughtful quote, or rolling a "Yahtzee" on family game night. He will be dearly missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Barbra Brandon, his wife's parents Lee and Mary Stidham, and sister-in-law Kathy Jennings. Jim is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Susan Stidham Brandon; his two daughters, Lee Brandon, and husband Drew Dorsey, and Kate Brandon, all of Tulsa; his sisters Judy Messerli and her husband Mike of Norman, and Jeanne Fowler and her husband Ed, of Oklahoma City; his brothers-in-law Robert Jennings of Checotah, and G. Steven Stidham and his wife Liz of Tulsa; as well as his nieces and nephews Brandon Messerli of Oklahoma City, Austin Messerli and his wife Jessica of Georgetown, TX, Carter Jennings of Oklahoma City, Taylor Jennings of Tulsa, Sarah Stidham and her husband Chris Gonzales of Chicago, IL; Jay Jennings and his wife Quaye of Norman, Matthew Jennings of Checotah; and extended family and many friends, who he deeply cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Saint Simeons Senior Community, or All Souls Unitarian Church.

Services will be held at 1:00pm on Monday August 4, 2025 at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma.