James Branham

James Willard Branham, known as James by many and Willard by his family and closest friends was born November 18, 1941 Hensley, West Virginia, died March 9, 2026 at his home in Mena, Arkansas at the age of 84.

Willard was the second of five children born to Stanford "Zeke" and Carrie Branham. The family moved from Virginia to Green Cove Springs, Florida in 1951 where he spent his youth years and graduated from high school in 1959. He completed a one-year Forestry Certificate program with the University of Florida in 1960.

He served in the Army 1964-1967 with tours of duty at Ft. Lee Virginia, South Korea (with a Temporary duty to Vietnam) Ft Campbell Kentucky, and a 7-month tour in Vietnam. He separated from the Army with The Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Bronze Star.

After the Army, Willard operated heavy equipment in commercial landscaping for the rest of his working years. He helped with the construction of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, numerous housing development projects, and in later years became a landscaping specialist in designing and constructing golf courses here in the United States and globally.

He retired to his sister Imogene's Mena, Arkansas home in 2007. Where he loved the town, people and scenery. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Tammi Denise Hinkle and granddaughter Katie Jean Branham, sisters Imogene Coon and Lavern Campbell. He is survived by his daughter Rebecka Lynn Hopkins, son Charles Wade Branham, brother Harold (wife Betty) Branham, sister Loretha (husband Dane) Anderson, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his close friend Leisa Eaton.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas with his nephew Pete Anderson officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Charles Branham, Scott Branham, Pete Anderson, Rodney Matthews, Vernon Bayne, and Dane Anderson.

Honorary Pallbearers are Alvin Stacey and John Bush.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com