Jim Brandon, 66

James Ware Brandon died Oct. 29, 2013.  He was born March 23 1947, in Hartford City, Ind., was a member of the Nottawa community for 43 years and was owner of Nottawa Gas Company.

Jim had a ticker that counted the number of smiles he could create in a day. No prank was over the line and he was no one’s fool. He was generous with conversation and spoke with anyone who would listen, always with a cup of coffee in hand. He loved his community of Nottawa and made a difference in lives of many people, often offering help without question. He enjoyed telling tall tales, grilling, fireworks, traveling to exotic locations, listening to audio-books, gardening, bird-watching, fiddling with new gadgets, roller coasters, spoiling his grandchildren and, of course, his loyal Newfoundland dogs.

He grew up in Warren, Ind., and graduated Salamonie High School in 1965. He served Indiana Air National Guard from 1966 to 1972 and was stationed in Biloxi, Miss., for a time. He moved to Nottawa in 1971 and raised three children with his wife, Sheron (Tappy). He was a continuous member of the Nottawa School Board for more than 30 years and owned Nottawa Gas Company. Later divorcing, he reconnected with childhood friend Ann (Peel) and they were married in 1994. Together, they traveled the world and enjoyed their short time together before her passing in 2008.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary (Lightner) Brandon; and his wife, Ann Brandon.

He is survived by his brothers, George Edward (and wife Carol) Brandon of Grayslake, Ill., Paul (and wife Janet) Brandon of Monticello, Ill.; daughter, Angela Brandon of Nottawa; son, Timothy and his wife Michelle (Franklin) Brandon, of Longmont Colo.; son, Adam, and his wife Kathleen (McCluskey) Brandon of Sturgis; daughter, Kristin (Peel) McCarver of Portage; daughter, Megan (Peel) Eichorn; and her husband, Darrin Eichorn, of Goshen Ind.; and daughter, Kendra (Peel) Collat and her husband, Chris Collat, of Herndon, Va. He leaves 11 adoring grandchildren, three nieces, two nephews and Teddy the Newfie.

A public memorial and open house will be held from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Nottawa Community School.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following: Student Conservation Association or Nottawa Community School.