James Nathaniel Brannon, Sr., was born on October 9, 1943 in Belmont, NC to Nathaniel S. Brannon and Marion B. Simmons.

Following the death of his father, his family moved to Winston-Salem, NC where he joined Hanes Memorial CME Church. His family later joined St. John CME Church where he was an active attendee of the Sunday School, youth organizations and worship services.

He graduated from Atkins High School, where he excelled in football and baseball. In 2010, he was inducted into the Atkins Football Hall of Fame. He began his college education at Virginia State University (Petersburg, VA). He left Virginia State and completed four years in the U.S. Air Force, from which he was honorably discharged. He completed his education at Winston-Salem State University, from which he earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology.

Rev. Brannon was employed by the Winston-Salem Police Department for 10 years. He was later employed by Johnson Controls from which he retired.

Rev. Brannon was a diligent worker at St. John. He served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, Chairman of Steward Board II, Director of the Board of Evangelism and Vice Chairman of the Steward Board. He was always interested in Community Outreach and was instrumental in encouraging several members to join St. John during a weekly Friday night program at the church called "God's Hand Ministry". He was also instrumental in implementing St. John's Sunday Morning Intercessory Prayer hour which was held each Sunday morning prior to the Sunday School hour. He also served as Chairman and a member of the Pastor's Aid Board.

Of all his accomplishments, nothing has impacted Rev. Brannon's life more than his calling to preach God's Word. Following his call; he was assigned as Pastor of several C.M.E. Churches. These churches included Mt. Zion (Galax, VA), Reynolds Temple (Winston-Salem, NC), Holsey Memorial (Statesville, NC), and Mt. Calvary (Mt. Airy, NC). Following his retirement from pastoring, Rev. Brannon returned to St. John C.M.E. Church where he continued to serve until his health prevented him from attending services. He never lost his desire to preach.

Rev. Brannon passed away quietly at his home in Rural Hall, NC on Thursday afternoon, April 10, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 53 years, Garcelia F. Brannon; son, James N. Brannon, Jr.; brothers, Robert S. Brannon and Sherman R. Simmons (Dr. Pamela S. Simmons); granddaughter, Danielle James Brannon; nephews, Robert Brannon, Jr., Antonio Sides (Ericka), Ronnie Brannon, and a host of relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Thursday, April 17, 2025 at St. John CME Church.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00pm on Thursday at the Church.