James (Jim) (J.R.) Robert Branch Obituary (1926 - 2011)

James R. Branch Click here to listen to Funeral Recording Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother and uncle, Jim "J.R." passed away peacefully July 12, 2011, in Ogden, Utah. Jim was born in Drumright, Oklahoma on April 10, 1926, the oldest child of Robert Henry and Ernestine Mae Hollabaugh Branch. He grew up in Gentry, Arkansas, and Centralia, Oklahoma graduating from Centralia High School. He served in the army during WW II with the EAME Campaign in Germany. Following his discharge he moved to Pocatello, Idaho, with his Uncle Buster to work in the potato fields. He stayed and became employed with Kraft Foods and then the Postal Service. He also joined the Idaho National Guard, retiring as a Major. He wanted to advance his career and became a Postal Inspector with the United States Postal Service. His career took him throughout the 50 states, traveling extensively on assignments. He was domiciled in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Oakland, retiring in 1987. He received numerous awards for his work performance and marksmanship. A convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he cherished his membership and served in Bishoprics, the Scouting Program and was a Regional PFR. He executed his home teaching assignments as one of his most important obligations. He married Daphne Warnick in 1950. He then married Jean Hodson in 1981. Their union was sealed together for eternity in the Ogden Temple in 1982. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; children Carry (John) Kopaunik of West Jordan, Marsha LaRue of AZ, Connie (Craig) Black of Sandy, Kenneth (Sandy) Branch of West Jordan, Jamie Branch of Waianae, HI, and Jared Branch of Salt Lake City; 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, three brothers and a sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Marvin and Lee Branch; a son, James; two grandsons, Jeremy and Nathan Black, and his former wife Daphne Warnick. He was known for his gardening abilities, growing beautiful roses, and keeping an immaculate yard. His greatest pleasure was cooking up a vegetable soup straight from his garden. His children acknowledge it was the best ever. He was always punctual, usually arriving 15 minutes early to a meeting. He was very considerate of others. He was a voracious reader and passed on a love of learning to his children. Curious and willing to help, you could count on him for assistance with any project, big or small. Being an investigator, he researched, compiled, and wrote volumes of genealogy which will be passed on to his family. His sense of humor and integrity made him an endearing man. The family would like to thank the IHC Hospice Team, with a very special thanks to Julie Lee and Robyn Vaughn for their unfailing, heartfelt care. They are truly angels from heaven. Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 18, 2011 at 11 am at the Poplar Stake Center, 1745 N 2300 W., Farr West. Friends may call at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden on Sunday, July 17 from 6 to 8 pm, and Monday from 9:45 am to 10:45 am at the Poplar Stake Center. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery where military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Hospice at Intermountain Homecare. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 July 17, 2011 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServicePoplar Stake Center 1745 North 2300 West Farr West, UT 84404 July 18, 2011 11:00 AM CemeteryMyers Evergreen Memorial Park 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 July 18, 2011