James "Jim" Earl Branson

James “Jim” Earl Branson, age 87 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Dennis Strawn will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. The visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Jim was born on August 18, 1938, to the late Vernon and Gladys (Cross) Branson. He married Sara E. Niemeier on September 12, 1964, in Mattoon, IL; she preceded him in death on September 4, 2018. He is survived by his two sons, Jeff Branson and wife Sherri of Mattoon, IL and Christopher Bartlett and wife Pam of Mattoon, IL; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He devoted his professional life to the automotive industry, where he retired as a general manager of car sales from several esteemed car dealerships. Prior to that Jim served in law enforcement for the Mattoon police department, and as an officer for Secretary of State Police. Jim was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL. He had a strong sense of community and served on the election board. Friends could always count on him for daily outings at restaurants for meals and conversation. He enjoyed playing golf and was an avid fan of both the Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini. Jim was a seasoned traveler who never passed up an opportunity to explore new domestic locations. His love for dogs was profound, and their companionship brought him great comfort and happiness throughout the years. Jim found his greatest joy in his family and will be profoundly missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to Sarah Bush Lincoln Cancer Center, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938 Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

James "Jim" Earl Branson

August 18, 1938 - January 5, 2026