James L. “Jim” Branson, 74, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Franciscan Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born February 6, 1948, in Shelbyville, the son of William C. “Bill” and Edna May (Stanley) Branson.  On March 4, 1990, he married his wife of 32 years, Sharon Dillender, and she survives.

In addition to Sharon, Jim is survived by his daughter, Monica Lawson and boyfriend, Jason Hensley, of Shelbyville; son, Jeremy Cord and wife, Crystal, of Fairland; sister, Sharon Turner and husband, Lynn, of Arlington; brothers, John C. Branson and life partner, Peggy Leslie Humbles, and William R. “Bill” Branson, both of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Taylor Lawson, Chad Morton, Paige Davis and Ema Cord; and brother-in-law, Ron Dillender and wife, Darlene, of Shelbyville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Stanley Branson; and infant sister, Mary Charlene Branson.

Jim graduated in 1966 from Shelbyville High School.

He retired from KCL, with 35 years of service.  After retirement, Jim worked for the City of Shelbyville at the wastewater treatment plant for 12 years, retiring again in 2003.

Jim enjoyed watching old movies.

His passion was music and he enjoyed playing lead guitar in numerous bands across Indiana.

Jim was an animal lover and was preceded in death by his dog, Max and leaves behind his dog, Sissy.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, July 25, 2022, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Funeral services will be at noon on Monday, at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Jim’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.