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Jimmy Boyce Brand, 78, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
Jimmy was born January 2, 1945, to Launa and Elias Brand in Abilene, TX. Like many military children, childhood was spent in several different locations including Texas, Georgia, Florida, Rhode Island and eventually France. Jimmy played football for and graduated from The Paris American High School and often fondly recalled memories from this time in his life. He attended Texas A&M his freshman year of college, then later transferred to Texas Tech University, earning his degree in Mathematics. He was commissioned in the US Army after graduation, and branched to the Transportation Corps. While serving as a General’s Aide in the US Army Aviation Systems Command in St. Louis, MO, First Lieutenant Jimmy Brand met the love of his life, Karen. They married in January of 1969.
After completing his time on active duty, Jimmy spent the remainder of his career until retirement in the Civil Service working for the National Marine Fisheries in Mississippi and the Federal Payroll in Pensacola. Using his GI Bill to continue his education, he also earned a master’s in business administration from George Washington University.
Jimmy and Karen raised their beloved sons, Tim and Dan, mostly in the bayous of Mississippi and the beaches of Pensacola, FL. He loved boating and fishing with his family, and golfing and going for neighborhood walks with Karen. After retirement, Karen and Jimmy spent many of their days traveling with Karen’s brother, Dick, and his wife, Gloria. He was heavily involved with their Sunday School class at Cokesbury United Methodist Church and volunteered regularly at The Haven of Our Lady of Peace Nursing Home. An avid reader, Jimmy was known to always have a book in hand.
Providing for his family was Jimmy’s “love language”. He spent most of his life ensuring that his wife, sons, and grandkids were well taken care of.
A Memorial Service was held Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Josh Blount officiating and military honors. https://www.harpermorrismemorialchapel.com/obituary/jimmy-brand
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Chad Wyatt (1963)
This arrives a bit late, but the impact is not lessened. Jim was a great team mate, and a terrific classmate. Farewell, Friend. Great leader.
Joy Ortenburger (Nunn) (1963)
So sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing, but also glad to learn more about his life, achievements and family. I must confess that Jimmy and I were good friends in HS, but I always had a secret crush on him. He was funny, friendly, devoted to football and always polite and kind. After graduating from HS and continuing my college years at the American College in Paris and then at the George Washington University in DC, I somehow received a letter from Jimmy while he was in college in TX. We remained in touch through letters until we both graduated in 1967. He did come to DC once after graduation for a very brief visit and that was the last time I heard anything more from him as we both moved on. When I learned about this website I would always look to see if there was news about or from him. This recent news was both very welcomed, but also sad. I am so glad you posted this information about Jimmy. My condolences to you and his family. Joy
Grover "Skip" Rawlings (1963)
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Sounds like he was blessed with a good life.