James Brandel
November 14, 1924 - December 30, 2013
Obituary
BRANDEL, James L. of Reno, Nevada, formerly of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Monaco Ridge Assisted Living. He was 89 years old. James Lumsden Brandel was born on November 14, 1924 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late George Washington and Edith (Lumsden) Brandel. He married the love of his life, Isabel J. Heinrich on March 15, 1951 in Angola, Indiana. She preceded him in death on May 10, 2011. Jim was a veteran of United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, he was stationed on the CBI border (China, Burma and India) as a forward, helping pilots that were lost or attacked find their way home through the Himalaya Mountains. The Allied pilots referred to this region as "the hump", because flying over the Himalayas was both difficult and dangerous due to their lack of mapping, radio absence and no information about weather. He absolutely loved to fly, as well as being a pilot. Upon his honorable discharge, Jim held a 20 year career with the Federal Aviation Association as an Air Traffic Controller. He was an avid reader, especially of self-help books. Jim believed "everyone made their own reality", and that everyone was interconnected and "all we need is love". Surviving are three sons and a daughter: Michael Brandel of Billings, MT, Craig Brandel of Roseburg, OR, Mark (Gayle) Brandel of Reno, NV and Marilyn (Steve) Ford of Lansing, Michigan; four grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two sisters: Joyce Danhoff of Saginaw and Edna (Rocky) McIntyre all of Saginaw; a sister-in-law, Ethel Brandel of Saginaw. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Brandel; a grandson, Michael J. Brandel; and three brothers and one sister: George, Tom, Bob and Virginia. Jim was blessed by many nieces and nephews. FUNERAL: Jim's Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Jim's son, Michael Brandel will officiate. Entombment will follow in Chapel Hill Mausoleum. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the East Side Soup Kitchen, 940 E. Genesee St., Saginaw, MI, 48607. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
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wm brandel
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Great video. My favorite memory of Uncle Jim was when he would fly down to visit us in Florida. The time he smuggled snowballs in his shaving kit I will always treasure. Love always, Bill
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Jan
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I remember the time Uncle Jim flew to Phoenix to visit us We all went out to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. My dad and Uncle Jim were competing with each other to see who could eat the most hot sauce. They both had severe heartburn the rest of the night. I will always cherish the time I spent with him. Loved him so much. Jan
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Jan
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1 file added to the tribute wall
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Leslie (Danhoff) Budzen
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Great Video! Uncle Jim was always so easy to talk with, about many things, and I will really miss him. I regret not having kept better contact with him, as did my brother Jeff. I was thrilled when I found out he had a Facebook page though, and was happy to be able to share some photos with him. To his children, my cousins: Mike, Mark (Gayle), Craig and Lynn, I wish to express to you my deepest condolences for the loss of your Father. To my Mother and my Aunt Edna: I am so sorry for the loss of your last brother and I wish very much that Brad & I could attend his service. Lastly, my father, Jim Danhoff, also wishes to express his sympathy and that he will not be able to attend the service. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and healing. Love and hugs, Leslie & Brad Budzen
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Lynette
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Always a fun adventure with Grandpa Jim! So glad that our daughter got to share this one as well! All of my future adventures will be dedicated to this wonderful man! What an inspiration! He said, "Lynette, you have to take ahold of life and show it who's boss. Make a presence!". Will do! :-)
AH
alice houlihan
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Dear Brandels,
My mother, Lola Houlihan, was Isabel's sister, and I remember both Jim and Isabel so fondly. They were wonderful people and I thought Jim to be one of the most interesting and accomplished people I had the good fortune to know. He did so much, knew so many things, and always shared his insights in a generous and friendly way. It's been many years since I've seen them but they'll always have a special place in my heart.
I am in Tucson, AZ for the winter (although I recently moved back to Saginaw from Phoenix AZ) so I couldn't join you at the funeral home. I wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and recalling fond memories of JIm and Isabel.
Alice Barrett Houlihan (Lola and Bob Houlihan's daughter)