WAYCROSS — James Monroe “Jim’ Brantley, Jr., 61, of Waycross died Saturday, October 4, 2025, at his residence after a brief illness.
He was born in Waycross on August 21, 1964, to James M. Brantley, Sr., and Joyce Turner Brantley. A lifelong resident of Waycross, Jim graduated from Ware County High School in 1982.
Brantley spent his life serving others as a fireman and EMT. It was a profession he took great pride in. He worked as a fireman for the Ware County Fire Department, an EMT for Brantley County EMS, and as Captain of Jekyll Island Fire and Rescue.
Brantley was a member of Gilchrist Park Methodist Church in Waycross. He was an avid
Brantley
University of Georgia Bulldogs and Dallas Cowboy fan. He enjoyed attending air shows and watching his favorite TV show “Seinfeld.”
More than anything, he loved his family and any moment he was able to spend with them.
Brantley was a wonderful dad of two boys and was extremely proud of them and their accomplishments in life.
He was excited and looking forward to becoming a grandfather for the first time in January of 2026.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, J.M. & Modell Brantley and his maternal grandparents, R.D. and Rosa Turner.
He is survived by his two sons, Sean Brantley and his wife, Beibei, of Valdosta, and Eric Brantley of Panama City Beach, Fla; his parents, Jimmy and Joyce Brantley of Waycross; two brothers, Scott Brantley and his wife, Vickie, of Waycross, Joey Brantley and his wife, Shannon, of San Antonio, Texas; one sister, Jill Aldridge and her husband, Chad, of Waycross; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., today (Wednesday, October 8) in Kettle Creek Southern Congregational Methodist Church. A burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. today at the church.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.
