James Herman Brandon

James Herman Brandon, 89, of Semora, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Born April 21, 1936, in Cunningham Township, Person County, NC, he was the son of the late Henry N. Brandon and Nannie B. Hamlette Brandon.
On May 19, 1962, James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Thurlia Jane Woods, in Roxboro, NC. Together they built a strong foundation rooted in faith, family, and service, raising two sons and later delighting in the joy of grandchildren.
James received his early education at Person County Training School, graduating with the Class of 1954. He went on to further his studies, earning an Associate's Degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He also studied brick masonry at Danville Community College and expanded his knowledge in various trades at Piedmont Technical Institute.
A man of many gifts and a tireless work ethic, James was a skilled brick mason by trade, working with Stanfield Builders, as well as operating his own independent masonry business. After more than 35 years in construction, he retired, only to return to work at GKN Automotive until retiring once more. Beyond his profession, James was a lifelong farmer, known for his thriving gardens and especially for growing the sweetest watermelons. He also had a talent for woodworking, creating meaningful and practical items with his hands.
James believed in serving both God and community. A faithful, lifelong member of Chestnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church, he gave more than 50 years of service as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, and member of the Cemetery Committee. He was also active with the Sunnyside Church Association. In addition, he was one of the original members of the Semora Volunteer Fire Department, working for 20 plus years with the department. As a young man, James played on the high school baseball team, and semi-pro baseball at Optimist Park in Roxboro, NC. His passion for baseball and softball later led him to start and coach one of the area's few Black women's softball teams. An avid sports fan, he loved to watch softball, baseball and faithfully supported HBCU football.
Although James gave much to his community, his greatest devotion was to his family. He and Thurlia raised their sons with love and encouragement, supporting their education and travels, and later rejoiced in the blessings of grandchildren. He spent countless hours teaching them the values of hard work, education, faith, and saving money for a rainy day.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by siblings Lonnie Brandon, Naomi Morant, Ruth Chambers, Delacy Brandon, and Dorothy Hopkins.
Joyously continuing James' legacy are his devoted wife of 63 years, Thurlia; loving sons, Derek (Nicole) and Marcus; cherished grandchildren, Derek II, Jordan, Tahra, and Cydney; former daughter-in-law, Latisha; siblings, Susie Smith, Lucy Luck, Nowillis (Otelia) Brandon; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
James Brandon's legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on through all who knew him.