James “Jim” H. Branson Sr., 88, of Union, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, surrounded by family. Born May 8, 1937, in Chesterfield, Missouri to Oliver Branson and
Lillian (Newsom) Branson Golden.
Jim, also known to some as “Skip”, had an outgoing and friendly nature, enjoying the time he spent with family and friends, including his work family at TEMCO, and his faith family.
He was a master carpenter, with some saying he could create anything. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, and hunting. What he loved most, however, was fishing. He
took many trips to the Canadian outback to fish for walleye and still had hoped to make it up there one more time. He also enjoyed watching baseball and football.
He is survived by his children, Deborah M. Branson of Leslie, Missouri, and Denise L.
(Steve) Thompson of Union, Missouri; daughter-in-law Kathy (Kevin) Branson of St. Peters,
Missouri; his grandchildren: Gary (Nikki) Branson of Cabot, Arkansas; Shaun (Hillary) Branson of Folley, Alabama; Tim (Holly) of Farmington, Missouri; Jessica (Chris) Rylko-
Meitner of Battlefield, Missouri; Casey (Kim) Branson of Pacific, Missouri; Anna Thompson of Union, Missouri; Carrie Thompson of Summerville, SC; former spouse Bettie Branson of
Union, Missouri; cousin Terry (Jan) Redburn, St. Charles, Missouri; special friends Alberta and Peter Chulick of St. Louis, Missouri; many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other
relatives and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Guy Golden; his sons James H. Branson Jr. and Kevin M. Branson; his grandsons Keith W. Branson and Nicholas J. Branson; his
brother David C. Branson and sister-in-law Mary Branson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, Union Community Center, Union, Missouri, 12-4 pm open house.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation: www.mochf.org/donate-online.
ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MICHEL FUNERAL HOME
