James “Jimmy” Charles Brannan, age 74, of Audubon, IA, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center in Audubon, IA. Honorary casket bearers will be Robert Nielsen, Paul Nielsen, Ron Nielsen, J.R. Koenig, Junior Fleming, Kent Inman, Doug Hilsabeck, Randy Phippen, Denny Steffenson, Brecken Muhr, Lennon Muhr, Drew Asberry, and Sage Asberry. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolence may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.
James was born on September 2, 1948, at his parents’ home in Audubon, IA, the son of William and Ina (Palm) Brannan. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon. He attended the Audubon Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1967. He then enlisted in the United States Army on July 28, 1967. He served three tours of duty during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on June 5, 1970, receiving many awards along with a Bronze Star. He was very proud of his time served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. This last October he went on a trip to Washington D.C. on an honor flight with other fellow Vietnam Vets. The family recalls how much he enjoyed the trip. The highlight for him was seeing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall.
On July 27, 1968, he was united in marriage to Vickie Hartvigsen in San Diego, CA. They were blessed with four children, Joel, Jennifer, Jaimie, and Justin. Jim worked road construction for Western Engineering with his father-in-law for a few years. In 1976, he was employed with Nixon Trucking and leased to Crouse Cartage Company. He was an over the road truck driver, driving from coast to coast for several years until he retired. Charlotte “the boss lady” always remained a good family friend. During retirement he worked part time for Robert and Paul Nielsen on the farm. The Nielsens and their children became like a second family to him.
Jim was a member of the Audubon American Legion, American Veterans Post 51 in Kimballton, and the V.F.W. In his spare time, you could often find him riding his trike motorcycle with the “Wild Hogs” (Jim, J.R., and Ron) or fishing at a local farm pond with family and friends. Jim also enjoyed reading and watching movies, especially old westerns. Jim loved his truck, pearl snap shirts, and cowboy boots. He enjoyed stopping at Vic’s Main Tap and other local bars to shoot the shit. He loved his little dog Jemma and all his grand-dogs as he called them. He loved starting his mornings sharing an entire big pot of coffee with his wife Vickie before the sun came up. He also enjoyed playing cards, rummy was always a family favorite. Jim loved spending time with family but most of all he always cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim and Vic were family people. They always lended out a helping hand and an open home to many– giving them the nicknames of Pa and Ma Brannan– later turning into Papa Jimmy and Grandma Vic.
Jim is survived by his wife Vickie Brannan of Audubon, IA; children: Joel Brannan, Jennifer and husband Brad Sporrer, and Justin “Buffy” Brannan all of Audubon; grandchildren: Mykel “Mykie” and husband Willy Muhr and their sons Breck and Lennon of Exira, IA, Steph “Stevie” and husband Charlie Asberry and their children Drew and Sage of Exira, Kiara “Bear” Sporrer of Audubon, Chandler “Buddy” Behrens of Boone, IA, Corey ”Sassy” Behrens of Carroll, IA, Kodie “Kodster” Sporrer, Kadence “Kade” Sporrer, and Kinley “Kinners” Sporrer all of Audubon; sister, Patti and husband LaVerne “Bub” Deist of Audubon; brother-in-law, Wayne Seime and wife Laure of Austin, TX; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Jaimie Behrens; parents, William and Ina Brannan; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Merle and Elna Hartvigsen; brothers and sisters: Elaine and husband Fred Baier, Duane and wife Barb Brannan, Jerry and wife Delores Brannan, Mary and husband James Oakley, LeAnn and husband Don Zwahlen, Wilma Seime, and Karen Elfring; and sister-in-law, Linda Best.
