Obituary of James LeRoy Brand

James L. Brand

Jim went home to be with his Savior on Tuesday afternoon, February 9, 2021, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

A time of remembrance and celebration of life will be held 1:30 until 3:30 p.m., Sunday, April 18, 2021, at the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Garden, 3000-N. 4th Ave. E. {Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, facemasks are encouraged.} Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, and as an expression of sympathy, memorials may be designated to Jim's family.

James LeRoy Brand, 73, was born September 5, 1947, in Newton, the son of Henry and Marjorie (Tool) Brand. He was a graduate of the Newton Senior High School, Class of 1965. Jim had served his country with the US Army, during the Vietnam War.

On August 15, 1969, Jim was united in marriage to Jane A. Priaulx in Columbus, Georgia. Jim had devoted his life to his family and enjoyed the outdoors. He had attended the Newton First Christian Church and a member of the Newton American Legion Post #111. Over the years he was employed by Hy-Vee Food Store, and as an Engineer with the Maytag Company and later the US Veteran's Administration in Knoxville and Des Moines.

Jim is survived by his daughter Teresa Higginbotham; his son Nathan Brand; his grandchildren: Evan Higginbotham and Emily (Chad) Benedict; his two great-grandchildren: Harper Benedict and Oliver Higginbotham; a sister Linda Roush; a brother Hank (Liz) Brand; sisters-in-law: Vivian (Dan) Ahnemann and Mary Priaulx; and his many good neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jane on September 18, 2020; a grandson Logan; and a sister Anna Mae Gildersleeve.