James Brandon Sr.

1943 - 2025

James Willie Brandon, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and community leader, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 21, 2025, at the age of 82, following a battle with dementia and a sudden and severe episode of pneumonia.

Born on March 31, 1943, to Aline Lipsey Brandon and J.V. Brandon, James was raised in Davidson, North Carolina, among a large extended family. Summers were often spent in South Carolina with his many cousins, where deep roots and lifelong bonds were formed. He graduated from Torrence Lytle High School in 1960, where he excelled in both football and basketball. His athletic talents earned him a scholarship to Johnson C. Smith University, where he played football throughout his college career and graduated in 1965. It was also at JCSU that he met the love of his life, Margaret Love Brandon. Their enduring partnership began in college and became the foundation of a life filled with love, family, and service.

James began his career in education in Chester, South Carolina, where he taught physics and coached football and basketball. He and Margaret eventually settled in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where they raised their two children, Rochelle Monique Brandon and James Willie Brandon, Jr. (Iris).

He served the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System for decades, quickly rising from teacher and coach to school administrator. He earned two master's degrees: one in education from Atlanta University and another in education administration from A&T University. James was widely respected for his leadership and unwavering dedication. He served as Assistant Principal at Hill High School, then West Forsyth High School, and later as Principal of both Glenn High School and Parkland High School, where he was named Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System Principal of the Year. Throughout his career, he was known for his commitment to student success, his insistence on fairness and safety, and his steadfast support of fellow educators. He was a proud and active member of the National Education Association, serving for several years as President of the Forsyth County chapter.

James and Margaret were faithful and active members of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. At UMMBC, he served on the Senior Usher Board and was later ordained as a Deacon. His deacon ministry included serving on two pastoral search committees and delivering communion to sick and shut-in members. He was also a beloved leader of the church Cub Scout troop, where he taught boys how to build birdhouses and live with integrity. As Margaret's right-hand helper for the Girl Scouts, he helped many girls learn to camp and explore the outdoors. James was a father figure to countless young people within the church, his family, and the broader community, providing a powerful example of strong, loving fatherhood.

He was a proud and devoted alumnus of Johnson C. Smith University, supporting his alma mater throughout his life. For more than 50 years, he faithfully attended the CIAA basketball tournament, stopping only when illness made it impossible. James was also an avid bowler, participating in the school system's bowling league until his illness. He developed deep friendships during those bowling nights, and they remained a source of joy for many years. After retirement, he continued his service to the community as a board member of The Shepherd's Center. James cherished his extended family, helping to organize reunions and preserve family history. He had a deep and quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a joyful laugh that often echoed in the company of those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Margaret Love Brandon; his brother, Theodore Brandon; and his brother-in-law, Felmington Haywood Love, Jr.

He is survived by his children, Rochelle Monique Brandon and James Brandon, Jr. (Iris); his cherished granddaughter, Zora Wynn Brandon; his sisters, Josephine McKissick (The late Rev. Warren McKissick), Ruby Evans (Eddie), and Bessie Grissom Joyner; his brother, Bobbie Brandon (Mary); and his sister-in-law, Vivian Love Turner (William). He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, and friends who were profoundly impacted by his life.

James Willie Brandon, Sr. lived a life of integrity, compassion, and purpose. His legacy will continue to shape the lives of all who were privileged to know and love him. As we celebrate his life, we remember a man who gave deeply of himself to his family, his students, his church, and his community.