Jim was an excellent example of what a human being should aspire to be… kind, generous, funny, smart, helpful. There are not enough adjectives to describe this man. Jim attended Jacksonville High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree in math and computer science at Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL. James worked at Southwestern Illinois College as a Senior Analyst Programmer. He loved spending time with his family, both the Braden’s and Hawks, and lending a helping hand to others. James was an avid animal lover and loved spending time with his beloved pets, Princess, Marnie, Diego, Timbre, Tyson, Madi, Bert, Sam, Millie, Nash, and Dancer. He also fostered many other dachshund dogs: Pumpkin, Dexter, Buster, Patches and Max. In his free time, James was a certified fitness trainer. He enjoyed playing volleyball, tennis, and traveling. His wit and charm are only unmatched by his MENSA brilliance.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Sharon, nee Wood, Braden; a brother, Timothy Braden; his paternal grandparents, Joe Braden and Gertrude Sapp Harsin; and his maternal grandparents, Tom Wood and Virginia Miller Kesler.
Surviving are his spouse of 23 years, Tad Hawk; two brothers, Thomas (Shannon) Braden and John Braden; a sister, Cheryl (Paula Lane) Braden; a nephew, Ian Braden; and two nieces, Demi Braden and Chey Watts.
Memorials may be made to The Uncle Gene Foundation, or Mandy’s Whine & Bark Groom and Animal Shelter. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022, at George Renner & Son’s Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022, from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Burial will be held at a later date at Pine Tree Cemetery, Patterson, IL.