Obituary of James Edward BRANDON PhD.

June 13, 1949 – Calgary, Alberta
August 26, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Jim Brandon, beloved husband of Teresa (Terrie) Brandon, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021.

Jim’s passion for teaching was obvious to all who met him. He believed strongly in the power of teachers to positively influence students, the community, and society at large. Whether at the local coffee shop or a fancy restaurant, Jim always enquired about the background of every server or clerk, hoping to discover a post-secondary student, preferably one studying education, so that he could encourage and counsel them in their studies. All this in the time it took to order a cup of coffee.
 
Jim was a distinguished member of the Alberta education community for 50 years; first as a teacher, then in the superintendency and finally as a professor at the University of Calgary. He earned many accolades throughout his career but was most proud when one of his students achieved success. Jim enjoyed running, playing hockey and handball, music, coffee, telling overly long stories with many digressions, creating puns, making people laugh (or groan), travel, good conversation, entertaining, and showing photos of his grandson to friends and strangers alike. His ability to laugh at himself always put people at ease.

Jim’s positive attitude really shone during his journey with cancer. He was aware that his time was limited and was determined to live fully every remaining day. He continued to work and to engage with his students and colleagues in his usual positive and supportive manner. Jim spent as much time as possible with friends and family. He and Terrie temporarily moved to the west coast to spend precious time with the children and grandson. Upon moving into hospice, Jim maintained an active social life with a steady stream of visitors and many picnics in the nearby park. His life in hospice was so full and socially active that one friend suggested that he was there under false pretences!

Jim is sadly missed by his family and friends who feel fortunate to have had their lives enriched by knowing him. He is survived by his loving wife Terrie, his two children, Jamie (Kylie), and Kate (Pete); his beloved grandson Jackson, his two siblings, Valerie (Blaine), and Bill (Chris); his sister-in-law Joanne (Mike), his nieces and nephews, and a large network of friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Please note that to keep everyone safe, the family asks that only those fully vaccinated against Covid attend the service and that masks are worn while in the building. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Dr. Brandon’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation directly to Jim Brandon Leadership in Education Memorial Graduate Scholarship at https://engage.ucalgary.ca//jim_brandon_scholarship, or the Salvation Army Agapé Hospice, 1302 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1B8, online at http://www.agapehospice.ca/ahfunding.html, or by phone (403) 282-6588, or the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/gord.

The family would like to thank all of those who provided care and support for Jim - Dr.  Owen Yuen, Dr. Paula DeRobles, Dr. Gerald Lim, Dr. Tina Cheng, Dr. John Kelly, Dr. Martin LaBrie, Dr. Uli Lauf, and Dr. Claire Temple-Oberle. Thanks also to the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, the neurosurgery unit in Foothills Hospital, and to the compassionate and ever-patient staff at the Agapé Hospice.

In living memory of Jim Brandon, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Jim's memorial card can be viewed using this link

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