James M. Bratton

James (Jim) Bratton, age 91 formerly of De Soto, passed away Friday, June 8 at Adel Acres Care Center in Adel. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel with burial at Oakland Cemetery near De Soto. Family will greet friends Wednesday, June 13 from 5-7 pm. James (Jim) Monroe Bratton was born December 24,1926 in rural Dyer, AK, the second of seven children born to Philo Cheatam Bratton and Sarah Frances (Perrish) Bratton. Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting mushrooms and garden farming with his father. Jim always made friends easily and enjoyed life. He moved to De Soto in 1951, where he married Madelyn Dunbar on September 8, 1951. The couple didn’t have any children, but were active in many of the church youth groups and some of those people still stop by to visit. He always said his favorite people are children and dogs, and enjoyed both very much. James worked at the Dunbar Stock Yard for 35 years, then after retiring, worked part time at the De Soto Elevator. He was active in the De Soto Methodist Church and for many years he could be found riding around mowing the church lawn. He was always ready to go fishing with John Jensen and other friends. Jim was also famous for his De Soto Water. His garden attracted attention as neighbors drove by, some nearly driving off the street. Jim is survived by his brothers, Bob (Jean) and John; many nieces and nephews; and longtime companion, Carolyn Buttrey and her family of two daughters, three granddaughters and all their spouses and four great grandchildren that called him GGPA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Madelyn; his parents; his sisters, Georgia, Ann and Tinnie; and brother, Calvin. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Croix Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com. Arrangements are being handled by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel.