James Branham

CODE 26CG Longs-.Professor James Branham, better known as "Jim", age 83 died Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Lexington Medical Center. Professor Branham was born in Lugoff, SC, a son of the late Dewitt T. Branham and Boidie R. Branham. He enrolled at Furman University and was awarded numerous scholarships between 1952-1956. He was a top graduate of Furman with a Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude with a major in History and a Minor in English. Professor Branham received many awards and honors while at Furman. He was chosen Ministerial Union President, Senior Class Vice-President, Blue Key Honor Society Recording Secretary-Treasurer, Student Legislature, Member of Baptist Student Union, served as Student Volunteer, member of Hand and Torch Society, chosen as member of Quaternion Honors Club, counselor to entering Freshmen, Dean's List every semester, Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges. Furthermore, he received the Bradshaw-Feaster General Excellence Award which speaks for itself at graduation. Also at graduation, he was granted The Harry Henderson Clark Religion Award for making the greatest contribution to religious life on campus. He was also awarded The Endel Memorial History Medal for being the Top Graduate with a degree in History. While teaching at Furman 1959-1961, Professor Branham was chosen to be the Faculty Advisor to the SAE Fraternity. Professor Branham briefly attended Yale University, but then decided to focus on an intensive study of History. He accepted a teaching assistantship at West Virginia University. He was awarded a Master's Degree after two semesters. During that time, Dr. D.H. Gilpatrick summoned Professor Branham to Furman to offer an interim appointment while a Furman Professor completed his Doctorate. That appointment lasted two years. A recruiter from the University of Georgia stopped by Furman looking for students to apply for one fellowship that UGA had to offer. Professor Branham was awarded the fellowship. Afterwards, The University of South Carolina was preparing to open a Regional Campus in the Conway area. Professor Branham contacted the proper authorities and was employed for one year. That appointment lasted for 28 years. Professor Branham was instrumental in organizing a History Club which met frequently at his home at Windy Hill and Arcadian Shores for lively discussions of current events. Dr. Roy Talbert in his History of Coastal Carolina stated that this was the nearest thing that Coastal had to a student union building at the time. Jim joined the faculty in the fall of 1963, and was described by Professor Roy Talbert as destined to become one of Coastal's great teaching legends. He became advisor to the Circle K Club. He was instrumental in getting a Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta History Society established on campus. He was the first person chosen as Coastal's distinguished Teacher of the Year. He served many years as Chairman of the History Department. Over the years Professor Branham has made many contributions to the students and Alumni of Coastal. Thanks to the generosity of Joyce and Marshal Parker the James Branham History Award was established in 2006. This annual award provides for the presentation of a Medallion and $500.00 in cash for a most worthy History graduate. Professor Branham served as a member of the Board of Trustees of The S.C. Hall of Fame as well as many other committees and organizations. He was a member of the S.C. Historical Society and Southern Historical Association. As senior faculty, he carried The University Mace at all formal functions for nine years. Professor Branham retired June 1991, and was designated distinguished Professor of History Emeritus. In June, 2000, he received a commendation from the Houses of Representatives for his generosity and many contributions from the Alumni and students of Coastal Carolina University. Professor Branham was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Dewitt T. Branham and Margie and their infant son. Surviving are two sisters, Dolly J. Branham and Carol B. Krier and husband John all of Lugoff, S.C.; one brother, Grady R. Branham and wife Joan of Florence, S.C.; three nieces, Lana B. Todd and husband Bob of Seneca, S.C., Cherly Branham of Rockville, M.D. and Deryl Snowden and husband Doug of Timmonsville, S.C.; one grand-nephew, Douglas Snowden and one grand-niece, Patricia Snowden. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel with the Rev. Tommy Rowe, a former student of the deceased officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at 2:00 PM on Sunday at Lugoff First Baptist Church Cemetery, Lugoff, S.C. . Officiating will be Reverends Lester Branham and Charles Rabon, Roland O. Rabon will also participate. The family will receive friends at 12:30 until 2:00 PM Saturday at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel and after the 2:00 PM Sunday service in Lugoff. Powers Funeral Home will preside in Lugoff. Memorials may be sent to James Branham Memorial Scholarship at Furman University 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville, SC 29613, or Coastal Educational Foundation (Payable to Branham History Award), Coastal Carolina University, PO Box 26194, Conway, SC 29528, or Springvale Baptist Church, 1496 Springvale Road, Lugoff, SC 29078. Sign a guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is serving the family.

Tributes

James Branham

October 1, 2009