James Branch Obituary

James Fred Branch

April 11, 2026

JOHNSON CITY - James Fred Branch, 82, Johnson City, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, early Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center, following a lengthy illness.

Jim was the son of the late Fred and Margaret Morrison Branch. He was a native and lifelong resident of Johnson City.

Jim was a 1964 graduate of Science Hill High School. He then worked briefly at Giant Food Market before beginning his career with the Johnson City Power Board in 1966, where Jim worked for thirty-eight years as an Order Worker, retiring in 2004.

He was a former member of the Johnson City Rescue Squad, and proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves for four years.

Jim was a faithful, lifelong member of First Freewill Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for over fifty years, formerly served as assistant choir director, drove the church bus for many years, and loved his church family, especially the youth, who he was known as "The Juicy Fruit Man", always carrying Juicy Fruit gum for them.

He enjoyed fishing and golfing with his friends when he was younger.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Coffey, a sister-in-law, Norman Whitehead, and a brother-in-law, Harold Baskett.

He is survived by his loving wife of more than sixty wonderful years, Betty Baskett Branch; a brother, Fred Crumb, Erwin; sisters-in-law, Ruth Fox and Evelyn Baskett, both of Johnson City; several nieces and nephews, including Tim Campbell, who Jim thought of as his own son, and wife Samantha, Johnson City, and Freddy Lee Crumb, Jr, Johnson City; Sharon Runion and husband Marion, Angie Carr, Debbie McLain, David Whitehead, Terry Lynn Baskett and wife Eloise; other great-nieces and nephews; many special friends, including, Steve and Tammy Patterson, and Gene Deaton.

The funeral service for Jim will be conducted Thursday, April 16, 2025, at 7:00 P.M., from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, with Pastor Gene Deaton, Pastor Tony Trott, and Pastor Kenneth Grindstaff, officiating. Special music will be provided by Steve Patterson and Gary McCurry.

The family will receive friends prior to the service Thursday from 5:00 -7:00 P.M. in the East Parlor of the funeral home.

Graveside committal service will be held Friday at 12:00 P.M. in Monte Vista Memorial Park. Those planning to attend are requested to meet at the funeral home by 11:30 A.M. Friday to proceed to the cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Branch family. (423) 928-6111