James "Jim" Howard Brandon, Jr passed away on March 22, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara Driver Brandon, daughter Beverly Brandon Knapp, parents James Howard Brandon and Faye Wright Brandon, and sister Amelia Brandon Dameron.
He is survived by his two sons, Andrew Howard Brandon of
Conyers, GA and James Michael Brandon (Joy) of
McDonough, GA, ten grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Mr. Brandon was born in Cramerton, NC on July 18, 1935. He graduated from Cramerton HS in 1953, where he participated in sports and school activities. While in school he worked as a soda jerk and a lifeguard. Upon graduating high school, he hitchhiked to
Myrtle Beach, SC to work during the summer. At the end of summer, he enrolled at the University of South Carolina, where he majored in journalism. While at USC, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He was a sportswriter for the school newspaper, a member of the Student Council representing the College of Journalism and was active in intramural sports including baseball and boxing. While at the University he joined the United States Naval Reserve and was honorably discharged after six years. It was at USC where Mr. Brandon met his future wife of 64 years, Barbara Driver. They were married in August,1956 as juniors , spending their final year of college as a married couple. Barbara became pregnant, delivering twin boys in 1957, only a month after graduating from college. Mr. Brandon would remain an avid Gamecock fan for the rest of his life.
Upon graduating Mr. Brandon decided to forego a journalism career, joining a trucking company as a management trainee. It was the beginning a forty-year career in transportation/logistics. During his career he served in several executive positions in management and sales.
Upon retiring from Carolina Freight in 1995, Mr. Brandon joined John Harland Co. as Logistics Director. He represented the company in a congressionally mandated association based in
Washington, DC, the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC). He served on the Board of Directors of the Parcel Shippers Association, also based in
Washington, DC. He served on the Board of Directors of Southern Shippers Association and the Atlanta Postal Council.
After retiring a second time, Barbara and he traveled extensively in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the United States . He and Barbara enjoyed spending time at their mountain house in
Brevard, NC. Mr. Brandon also worked as a volunteer at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital in Conyers.
Mr. Brandon served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church, USA before joining Conyers First Methodist Church in 2010.
A memorial service celebrating Mr. Brandon's life will be held 11:00 am Friday, March 27, 2026, at Conyers First United Methodist Church,
Conyers, GA. At a later date, his remains will be interred at the Columbarium at Bethany Cemetery in
Aiken, SC alongside his wife Barbara and daughter Beverly.
Published by Rockdale Citizen from Mar. 29 to Mar. 30, 2026.