Rev. James Palmer Branch

The family of Rev. Jim Branch regrets to announce the passing of their beloved family member and extended family spiritual leader. Jim was born in Montrose, GA and spent much of his life in Decatur, GA. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Mercer University, a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology of Emory University with further post-graduate work at Boston University and Oglethorpe University. He served as pastor of Montrose Baptist Church (Montrose, GA), Elim Baptist Church (Newnan, GA) and as a counselor at the Methodist Children s Home in Macon, GA. He later worked in Atlanta, GA on the faculty at the Westminister Schools before beginning his practice as a marriage and family therapist. His death leaves behind a beloved, supportive sister, Evelyn (Brownie) Bond. He was the proud father of Jennifer C. Branch (Masters of Arts) and Dr. J. Palmer Branch, daughter-in-law Evelyn M. Branch as well as a young granddaughter, Jessica Joyce Branch. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Northside Drive Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 at 11:00 a.m. A gathering of friends and family will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the church narthex. A separate closed casket viewing will be on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Montrose Baptist Church, 2313 Hwy 80, Montrose, GA 31065. A graveside service will follow at Montrose City Cemetery on Payne Cook Road at 3 p.m. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899