James Sutton Brantley

James Sutton Brantley, 73, of Dunnellon, FL, formerly of Brundidge and Troy, AL passed away on February 2, 2024 after an extended illness.  He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Kirven Brantley, Sr. and Dorothy Hattaway Brantley, and his brother Thomas Kirven Brantley, Jr. A graveside service will be at noon on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Green Hills Memorial Park in Troy.  Everyone is requested to meet at the tent in the cemetery. 

Jim, alongside his siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends pioneered and perfected the art living a South Alabama childhood in 1950’s and 60’s, truly amplifying good old-fashioned fun with an appropriate amount of innocent mischief in the mix. Visits to his grandmother Julie’s house were always comforting and slipping through the backyard fence to Ottie’s house routinely meant a few coins for a picture show and popcorn on Elm Street.  Jim delighted in the traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at Julie’s house, getting dressed up and sitting at the card tables with his cousins to enjoy the meticulously prepared meal and the homemade Martha Washington candies - a recipe that made its way from Martha Washington’s Mount Vernon kitchen all the way to Julie ‘s kitchen on Murphree Street. Easter celebrations were equally as celebratory with egg hunts at Popsi’s farm just outside of town.  Well into adulthood, Jim welcomed opportunities to put on his finest and connect with his family. He had a special affinity for shoes as many will recall some that had a certain “mid 1970’s” flair. 

 Jim was as talented as any Brantley when it came to embellishing recollections of daily life which resembled a Capote short story. Jim could always bring the laughter to family events and a genuine goodness that made all of his nieces and nephews want to win the attention of Uncle Jim.  Getting picked to be on Jim’s team for the front yard football event was coveted.  As a life-long University of Alabama football fan, Jim once appeared on live television at Legion Field during a commercial breakaway from the game.  Sadly, his brother Tombo missed the photo opportunity as he was at the concession stand getting chili dogs when the camera zoomed on Jim looking dashing as ever. Jim was also a lover of the highly sophisticated Boston Terrier breed which brought him great companionship over the years. 

Jim is survived by his son James Ellis Brantley. “JEB” was the light of his father’s eye and Jim loved him exponentially. Jim is also survived by his brothers, William Hattaway Brantley and Rhett Wiley Brantley (Mamie); sister, Jill Brantley Miles; sister in law, Frankie Brantley, numerous nieces and nephews, and Bella, the Boston Terrier.