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Obituary

Obituary for James Edward Branch

James Edward Branch (Poss) went to be with the Lord November 2, 2018 at age 86. James passed at his home due to heart and kidney failure. He lived in the Shafter area 63 years.
James was born June 2, 1932, to James Monroe Branch and Lillie Belle Colbert in England, Arkansas. James siblings were Harry Williams, Louise Nichols, Leonard, Bobby, and Billy Branch.
James married Annie Mae Simmons, January 12th, 1955 in Augusta, Arkansas. They moved to California in August 1955. James worked… as a truck driver, AG farmhand and ranch foreman.
James was known for growing a garden year around, and supplying family and friends, church people and the local Teen Challenge home with fresh vegetables. He also enjoyed keeping livestock. James loved giving his great grandkids rides in a trailer towed behind his little tractor through the garden and around the animals. He loved watching them play together and sing for him. James supported Shafter High FFA, the Teen Challenge home and all his kids endeavors. His favorite charitable organization was his church, Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church of God.
James is survived by one daughter; Stephanie Diane Pickin and husband Dennis Pickin, and three sons; John Edward Branch, James Arnold Branch, Joel Shane Branch and wife Teri. He is also survived by daughters in law; Kelly Henson Branch, Roberta Taylor Branch, and Joan Cranford Strayhorn. James is survived by nine grandchildren; Berton James Branch and wife Jessica, Jaclyn Renee Dye and husband Jake, Dianne Marie Tiner and husband Kyle, Melissa Strayhorn, Casey Ann Branch, Kaitlyn Noel Lackey, Robin Louise Akery and husband Ryan, Joshua Dean Branch, and Alexandra Susanne Branch. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren; Jonathan, Caleb, Naylene and Landon Branch, Riley Modarsky, James, Wyatt, and Houston Tiner, Taylor and Anna Dye, Hannah Lackey, and Ryott and Ronin Akery.
James was predeceased by his parents, siblings, his wife Annie Simmons Branch, and his sons Jerry Curtis Branch and Charles Ricky Strayhorn.
James’ service will be on Monday, November 12, 10:00 a.m. at the Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church of God on the corner of Seventh Standard and Santa Fe Rd. Officiant is Pastor Jimmy Glasco. Pallbearers will be his sons; John, James, and Joel, son-in-law Dennis, grandsons; Berton, Joshua, and great grandsons Jonathan and Caleb. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Shafter Memorial Park on Santa Fe Road, Shafter following the service. Reception at the church will follow the graveside service.