James "Jim" Richard Branam

James “Jim” Richard Branam, 93, of Bentonville died August 29, 2024 at his residence. He was born on October 27, 1930 in Amarillo, Texas the son of Evelyn and Walter Branam.

Jim was an all-state baseball player in Texas in 1948. He attended Texas A&M on a baseball and basketball scholarship, but didn’t graduate as he said, “they realized we were not study focused”.

Jim served as a tank commander in the US Army during the Korean War era. Upon returning from the War, Jim made his home in Amarillo and began his career selling shoes.

He began his clothing career with Blackburn Brothers and later moved to Plainview, TX where he spent 15 years with Marse and Sons making great friends and in service to his community.

Jim moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1977 with his wife and youngest son opening his own clothing store “Branam’s” in Rogers, AR. In 1981 he went to Walmart after much wooing from Sam Walton, where he spent nearly 24 years standing up Sam’s Club apparel business.

Locals know Jim from his big white boat (1966 Chrysler named “Valentine” after his mother) and his early morning coffee habits, mid-day Catfish John’s and Glasgows habits. He was an avid tennis player in the community as well as golfer in his younger days. He like to beat up on “flat bellies” on the racquetball court. Jim loved travelling, especially by train, and was always ready to go somewhere! He developed a love of Sedona, AZ and spent many vacations there.

He was a member of Bentonville Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Branam of the home; two sons, Richard Branam (Melissa) of Bella Vista, Stan Branam (Lana) of Plainview, Texas; one daughter, Brenda Campbell (Steve) of Edmond, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren (Carter, Katie, Summer, Josh, Zach, Taylor, Austin, and Christopher); eight great-grandchildren (Savannah, Avery, Makenzie, Adyley, Gannon, Gibson, Hunter, Noah, and Aniston); and one great-great-grandchild (Keegan) and many living friends and family.

Visitation for Jim will be Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Bentonville Church of Christ.

Graveside service will be at 10:00am September 4, 2024 at Bentonville Cemetery.