JAMES J. BRANAGAN
MARCH 5, 1943 – NOVEMBER 23, 2011

JAMES J. BRANAGAN….A LAWYER FOR THE ARTS
After advising major public companies, as an associate at Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, General Counsel of Leaseway Transportation Corp., Vice President-Law and Compliance at Premier Industrial and Senior Counsel of TRW, Inc, Jim Branagan established his private law practice in 1988 to provide privately owned companies the level of legal sophistication and experience demanded of large public companies. His practice was based on the belief that regular lawyer involvement in the planning and operation of a small business adds great value by eliminating risks and taking advantage of the legal environment to help the company realize its goals. His clients prospered.
Jim was a graduate of St Vincent Preparatory School, Latrobe, Pa and Kenyon College (magna cum laude). He earned his law degree at Columbia Law School NYC. His law practice and lifelong interest in the arts led him to become involved with the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts for several years. It later became a committee of the Greater Cleveland Bar Association. Jim contributed as a presenter and consultant to artists on contract writing, consignment agreements, accounting issues and estate planning. He also lectured at Cleveland State University, COSE of the Cleveland Growth Assn. and Cleveland Bar Association.
His love of literature and the arts led him to become an active member of the Cleveland Museum of Art where he attended art history courses. A member of the Rowfant Club, he served on the Library Committee and was an active participant in lectures and meetings. Jim served on the Board of Trustees for the Dobama Theater for many years. When the Ohio Ballet closed, Jim began a lasting friend and business advisor to David Shimotakahara, founder and artistic director of the GroundWorks Dance Theater.
Jim was an active member of the Suburban Ski Club for many years and traveled every ski season. He was a vigorous outdoor hiker and enjoyed the rugged challenges of whitewater rafting in West Virginia.
His last five years became an expedition of courage as he faced his cancer. Jim was an inspiration to family, friends and colleagues, always finding joy in the varied interests he acquired over the years and in the lives of others. A student of meditation and qigong, Jim utilized all forms of complementary treatment alongside expert Western medicine. His vitality and spirituality through it all is testimony to the value of Integrated Cancer Care.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Mary Lou Stricklin; dear father of Sean Branagan of Kansas City, KS., Erin Branagan (Serghio Kakehashi) of Berkley, CA. and David Branagan (Tracy Warner) of Twinsburg, OH,; grandfather of Cecilia, Isabel, Adrian Kakehashi and Laurel Branagan; step father of Marla Mangione (Martin) and Alison Talarcek (Philip); grandfather of Sophia, Dominic and Caroline; brother of Patrick of Johnstown, PA. Former husband of Barbara Branagan. Passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2011. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be forwarded to Groundworks Dance, P.O. Box 18191, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 29, at St. Patrick's Church, 3602 Bridge Avenue in Cleveland (Please meet at church). Friends may call at the BUSCH FUNERAL HOME, 21369 CENTER RIDGE RD., FAIRVIEW PARK from 2-4 and 7-9 Monday. www.buschfuneral.com 440-333-9774