Deacon James M. Branch, Sr. son of the late Sammie Branch and Jessie Branch was born in Bamberg, South Carolina on January 23, 1945. His earthly pilgrimage ended in the stillness of the morning as he was called to his eternal rest on Saturday, May 19, 2018. He was the 6th of nine children. He spent his formative years in Brooklyn, NY, where he was educated by the New York public school system. James graduated in 1963. During his high school years and upon completing high school, James always had a job to help his mother and siblings. He worked in Bellevue Hospital until he enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve his country, from 1965-1969. James met and married the love of his life, Maryann Roberts Branch in 1969. To this union three beautiful children were born, Daphne McCoy, James M. Branch, Jr. and Docquan K. Branch. God blessed James and Mary with his best. Through their years of hard work, they were able to accomplish a lot. They were married for 41 years until she was called home to be with our Lord and Savior. James was a decent and honorable man. He was an excellent provider. He provided for his wife, children and other family members. He was stern and direct but he was also giving and had a good heart. He took care of his sick wife for 2 years. The nurses at hospice raved at how well he took care of her. He kept her clean, clothed and even kept her hair done. He would say, “My wife is a reflection of me. This is my wife and I will take care of her”. James was also known for being the person in the family who would look out for those who were less fortunate. He took on the responsibility of paying for funerals, even getting insurance policies for family members that needed them. James prided himself in doing things in decency and in order, those were some of his favorite sayings. James was very knowledgeable and people looked to him for advice. James started his career with the United States Postal System in 1969 where he worked as a supervisor at the Main Brooklyn Post office. He retired after 33 dedicated years of service. James accepted Christ at the early age of 9 at First Calvary Baptist church. He was a member there until he moved his membership to the First Baptist Church of Westbury, NY, where he was ordained and consecrated as a Deacon by Bishop Lionel Harvey. Upon retirement and moving to Orlando Florida, he became a faithful member and dedicated servant of Macedonia Missionary Baptist church Eatonville Florida, under the teachings of Pastor Willie C Barnes, and a final relocation to Wilson North Carolina. He joined New Vester Missionary Baptist Church of Sims, NC, where he enjoyed the fellowship and ministry of Pastor Jeffrey Simms. James believed strongly in the word of God and stood firmly on its teachings. James talked about God often and would say, “In my life I asked God for many things and it’s very few things that he didn’t give me” and “God’s been good to me, my wife and its trickled down to my children and grandchildren. Yes, he’s been good to me.” In his past time, James loved going to church, watching sports, westerns and action movies. James also loved spending time with his family and doing family activities. He was proceeded in death by his five brothers, Herman, William, Earnest, Charles, Herbert Branch and two sisters, Sammie Lee Johnson and Florie Mills. Left to celebrate his life and cherish the memories are his daughter, Daphne McCoy (Ronnie) of PA; his two sons, James M. Branch, Jr. (Tanya) of Long Island, NY and Docquan K. Branch (Solitaire) of Long Island, NY; his grandchildren, LeRon McCoy, LeSean McCoy, Aniya Janae’ Branch, Jada Maryann Branch, Sa’rRai Branch and Sinia Branch; his three great grandchildren, Amaya, Dash and LeSean Jr. and his sisters, Conest (Dessie) Mathews, and Maxine (Bobby) Nixon, Clara Jones. He leaves one aunt, Dehlia Johnson Brooklyn; his childhood friend since high school, David Girard and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. Funeral Services for Deacon James M. Branch, Sr. will be held on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 10 A.M. at the First Calvary Baptist Church, 953 Putnam Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11221. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial at Calverton National Cemetery will take place following the services at church. A public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. at Cleveland Vaughan Funeral Home, 103 Putnam Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Deacon James Branch Sr 2018. Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, Inc.
Death notice for the town of: Harrisburg, state: Pennsylvania