James Branson, 83

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James “Jim” Branson, 83, of Versailles passed away at 1:57pm Monday, December 26, 2016 at his home. He was born at Viper in Perry County, Kentucky on March 30, 1933 the son of Samp and Altis Turner Branson. He was married to June DeBurger on June 28, 1958 and she survives. Other survivors include five daughters Susanne (Dan) Ketchum, Vicky (Larry) Hensley, Linda (Mark) Quicksall, all of Versailles, Mary (Ted) Norman of Batesville, and Tracy Branson and her fiancé Dave Benham also of Versailles; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers Roger (Nancy) Branson of Connersville and Billy (Connie) Grigsby on Fairborn, Ohio; five sisters Eva (Dale) Combs of Franklin, Ohio, Evola (Bill) House of New Albany, Ada (Larry) McIntyre of Queensville, Vada Browne of New Washington, and Teresa (Daniel) Bowman of North Vernon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Jean Grigsby and Betty Brashear, and his brothers Kenneth and Oliver Branson. Mr. Branson was a veteran of the Korean War where he served with the US Navy on the USS Guadalupe. For service to his country Jim received the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. In civilian life Jim had been employed with US Shoe in Osgood, the Versailles State Park, and had worked in maintenance at the Ripley County Court House, as well as doing maintenance at the Tyson and Colonial Manors. His main occupation though was that of a self-employed carpenter. Jim was also an accomplished musician not only having written songs, but was a member of the Hoosier Hills bluegrass band and also the Shady Valley bluegrass band. He was also an avid bowler and was the “promoter” for his pride and joy, his daughters singing group The Branson Sisters. Jim was a faithful member of the Shelby Christian Church where he had served as an elder. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 30th at 11am at the Shelby Christian Church with Bro. Tim Heim officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Christian Church, St. Jude’s, or Wounded Warriors in care of the funeral home.