"My post was auto corrected....should of course read Sallie. ..and my signed name Imbrogno. Also small things not mall...I found no method to edit. again my best to you all. "
In loving memory of
James Francis Brandabur
June 9, 1934 - March 28, 2015
Brandabur, James Francis (Jim). Born June 9, 1934. Died Saturday, March 28, 2015. Jim is survived by his wife, Judy; children Jack (Jackie), Michael (Lisa), Jamie, Patrick (Kristy), Marybeth, Amy (Bruce), Julie, and Mark; 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Also survived by his former wife Sallie, his brothers John aka Jack/Jonse (Mary) and Joseph (Margaret) Brandabur; and 15 nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Genevieve O'Hara Brandabur, brothers Edward and John Joseph Brandabur. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, Franklin, OH. A Funeral Mass is Friday, April 24, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Franklin, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family asks a donation be made to one of the following: Saint Ignatius High School, www.ignatius.edu, Cleveland, OH; Greene County Parks and Trails, www.gcparkstrails.com, Xenia, OH; or National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network, http://nbran.org/.
Jim was born in Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Huntington, West Virginia, and lived in Southern Ohio for much of his life. A proud alumnus of Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland (Class of 1952), where he was on the boxing team and in Glee Club; and Xavier University for his undergraduate degree (class of 1956). Jim spent a year at Georgetown Law School, until his parents discovered the real reason he was in Washington, DC was to join the FBI. He transferred to the University of Cincinnati Law School, graduating in the class of 1959.
Jim practiced law in many areas, first in the tax department at General Motors, then criminal defense at Cox and Brandabur in Xenia, Ohio. After co-founding Brandabur, Campbell, Finlay, Johnson, McCormick, Weckstein and Beard, he switched to probate and estate work. Practicing in a farm town, Jim occasionally took livestock or produce as payment from clients.
He became of-counsel at Brandabur and Bowling, his nephew, Michael Brandabur's firm, in Hamilton, Ohio. He remained there until his death.
Jim was a lifelong outdoorsman, spending as much time as he could hunting, fishing, hiking, and golfing. Jim took great joy in sharing his love of the outdoors with his sons and daughters, patiently teaching them how to hunt, fish, and hike, frequently at their family cabin in Adams County, but also in his favorite Ohio Brush Creek, Caesars Creek, and a few long trips to Canada. He loved to garden and loved winning blue ribbons for his produce at the Greene County Fair.
In recent years, Jim opted for more leisurely golf trips with Judy and many good friends from their Springboro community.
Influenced by his Jesuit education, Jim served his communities generously with his time and expertise. He co-founded Greene County Parks, serving as Park Commissioner for 25 years; founded the Xenia Optimist Club, serving as board member and president; was board member and president of the Greene County YMCA; member of the board of directors of Xenia National Bank (now Key Bank); past president of the Greene County Bar Association; served as Chairman of the Greene County Law Library; and until his death, secretary of the Sir Edwards Glen Homeowners Association. He was also a past member of the Ohio Farm Bureau, and a Kentucky Colonel.
Jim will be remembered for his charm and quick wit; his lack of pretense; his love of walking quietly in the woods; his devotion to his beloved Brittanys (Megan, Brandi, and Daisy); for treating everyone he encountered with kindness, respect, and humor--from clients and friends to farmers and federal judges; and for his dedication to his family.
Tributes
"I was a childhood neighbor of the Brandabur family in Xenia. How well I remember the day they moved into their King Street house. I would play with and babysit the boys Jackie, Michael, Jamie and PB..and when baby Mary Beth came along I remember the delight of her father Jim. We moved from our Union Street house before Amy was born. My memories are of a man I so looked up to and admired. He called me " Annie "in stead of Diane as that is what PB called me. I always looked up to him because he treated me as a young child with respect and kindness. I ran into a couple times as an adult in Centerville and he would say" of course I remember you Annie!" Strange how these mall gestures can mean so much. I still dream of those few years....Jim and Allies family with fondness. My best wishes to the family left to mourn his passing. Sincerely, Diane Foley I'm brown MD"
"Jim was a good boss when I worked for him in the `60s and then our families became good friends. I didn't go to Adams County but the rest of my family loved every trip with the Brandaburs and have fond memories that they still talk about. A long life well lived with six wonderful children, grandchildren and even a great grandchild. He will be missed. My condolences........."
"Jim was a good friend of my grandparents, Dr D.V. and Gen Garrison and purchased their beloved cabin in Adams County. RIP Mr Brandabur. "
"Our love and sympathy to Sallie and all of the Brandabur family. You will be in our prayers. Love, Mike and Jan Rotterman"
"My late husband, J. Gordon Rudd, Sr., a lawyer and judge in Greene County respected and liked Jim very much. Even though they were adversaries on many occasions there was always respect and friendship between them. "
"Loved it that Jim and Al shared the same birthday. Also his love of WVa that him and I shared. Loved his warped sense of humor. Couldn't get over how he could play golf once or twice a year and play really good, especially putt really good. Loved him!!"
"Judy sorry to hear of Jim's passing Prayers for you and your family Take care my friend XO "
"I am so sorry to hear this news. I lost my own father at a very young age, and he was like a father to me. He was very good to me and my brother at the time of my brother's death as well. He shared his philosophies and life lessons with me, and I will always remember his kind words and his excellent sense of humor. He was an excellent father, lawyer, and friend. All of my sympathy and prayers to the Brandabur family. "
"I will always treasure fond memories of Mr. Brandabur sharing with me and Jack's other buddies his beloved farm in Adams County. Jim was a true gentleman and was one of the first people who inspired me to pursue a career in the legal profession. He had a subtle yet piercing wit, and a sly yet conniving smile. His legacy is a beautiful family all of whom are successful in their chosen professions. Rest in Peace Mr. Brandabur, and God Bless the Brandabur Family. "