James Leo Branch

Obituary

James Leo Branch
January 13, 1928 – March 9, 2026

James L. Branch, age 98, passed away peacefully at home after suffering a fall in early January that led to the discovery of heart issues. Leo was the eldest son of George and Ruth Branch and was born in Paragould, Arkansas.

He was voted “Most Likely to Succeed,” as well as “Best Looking” and “Biggest Flirt” in high school. He graduated on Friday the 13th in 1946 and was drafted into the U.S. Navy the following Monday. Leo proudly served for 22 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his service, he was stationed on three aircraft carriers—the Yorktown, Bennington, and Radford—as well as several destroyers. He participated in the H‑bomb tests and crossed the equator during his naval career.

Leo met the love of his life, Barbara, on a blind date. The following week he left for a six‑month deployment to the Mediterranean, writing her letters throughout his time away. They were married on July 24, 1955, and shared nearly 66 years of marriage before Barbara’s passing in 2021.

Together they raised two daughters, Stacy and Karen. Leo cherished time with his family, including his grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. Sundays were pizza day, always accompanied by sweet potatoes and corn, and he was recently determined to master making a blooming onion at home.

An electrician and mechanic by trade, Leo could fix just about anything. He was known for creating clever gadgets to make life easier and enjoyed woodworking throughout his life. After retiring, he and Barbara sold crafts at MacDill Air Force Base. In recent years, he returned to woodworking and generously donated his creations to his church.

Leo loved gardening—especially growing tomatoes—and grew so many that he happily shared them with neighbors. He was an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan and watched every game from home. Other pastimes included cooking, playing solitaire, and working on jigsaw puzzles on the computer.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents, George and Ruth Branch; his brothers, Wyman Branch and George Branch Jr.; his sister, Betty Cooley; and his nieces and nephews, Geoge Lehr Jr., Jerry Cooley and Lisa Gosselin.

He is survived by his daughters, Stacy Conrad (Don) and Karen Branch; grandchildren Joshua Conrad (Hilarie), Christopher Conrad (Meagan), and Benjamin Conrad; great‑grandchildren Ashlyn Conrad, Dallin Conrad, and Collin Conrad; his sister‑in‑law, Mary Visone; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leo lived a long and meaningful life and will be forever missed.

“It was a good life, and I would do it all over again.”

A service and committal to the garden at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 27, 2026, at 502 Druid Hills Road, Temple Terrace, Florida. Guests are welcome to join the family for lunch afterward at restaurant to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to be made to St Jude ‘ Children’s Research Hospital.