JULY 17, 1928 – OCTOBER 9, 2026
In the Care of Laird Funeral Home
James Erwin Brannon, 98, beloved husband, daddy, and Pop as well as a friend to many passed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, October 9, 2026, after a brief illness.
A memorial service followed by a time of visitation will be Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, with Pastor Noel Dear officiating. A private family graveside service will precede the memorial service.
Mr. Brannon was born at home in Gary, Texas on July 17, 1928, to Marvin and Dena Brannon. He was the youngest of three children. He grew up in Gary working on the family farm and graduated from high school there. In school, he participated in every sport offered and delighted in regaling the family with his prowess on the basketball and tennis courts as well as the baseball field.
James married Nelwyn Graves Brannon on June 26, 1949, and they lived a wonderful, loving, productive life together until her death in 2017. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Port Arthur for James to work for Gulf Oil Company but quickly made their way back to Nacogdoches in 1953.
James worked hard providing for his family by first owning Producer’s Café on Main Street, then working for Mr. Edward Tucker as an oil/gas/tire representative. He later bought into the business that became Tucker, Brannon, and Horton. After retiring, Clarence Gound recruited him to sell cars until his true retirement time was filled with golf and following grandchildren in their activities.
James loved golf, hunting, and attending activities that revolved around family. He enjoyed spending time with friends and never met a stranger. Besides his love for family related activities, he enjoyed serving as an usher and faithful member of First Baptist Church which he joined in 1953 upon his return to Nacogdoches. He was our supporter, provider, and patriarch who led with kindness, love, character, a heart for service, and an unwavering faith in the Lord—an example to all who knew him.
James leaves behind a wonderful family: his daughters, Jamye and husband, Alan Schultz, and Susan and husband, Bobby Reyes; his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Strickland) Tudor, James (Shelli) Reyes, Amy (Tommy) Thompson, and Brannon (Amy) Norton. Also surviving Mr. Brannon are eight great-grandchildren: Claire, James, and Annabelle Grace Tudor; Allie and Ethan Reyes; Molly and Brooks Thompson; and Gavin Norton as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank his special care givers at the Arbor for their loving care and friendship over the last five years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 411 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75961 or First Christian Church, 702 N. Mound Street, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75961.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Erwin Brannon, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.