James A. Brands

James A. Brands, 54, Independence, Mo. passed away April 16, 2005. Visitation will be 6 - 8 pm, Wed., April 20, 2005 at Speaks Suburban Chapel. A committal service with Full Military Honors will be 11 am, Thursday, at Floral Hills Cemetery. Jim was born in Kansas City, Mo. on July 18, 1950, the son of Francis A. and Evelyn Brands. Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps July 29, 1969 and served with Marine Air Group 16 during the Vietnam War as an Air Gunner. Jim was honorably discharged in 1972. He met and fell in love with his wife Karen S. Brands (Cannon), then married in 1980. He also fell in love with her children, Kimberly A. Slifer and Jeffery K. Slifer and was an outstanding father figure for them. Jim and Karen had their son, James A. Brands II in 1983. He raised him to be a loving and compassionate young man. He spent many years coaching baseball, football and basketball. Coaching was his way of life. He was on the Board of Directors of Pop Warner football and Queen City Baseball for many years. He was currently employed by Pepsi Cola Co. He is survived by his wife, Karen Brands, of the home; children J. Allen Brands, Indep., Mo; Kim Slifer, Hamilton, Mo; and Jeffery Slifer, K.C., Mo; grandchildren Zachary and Amber Watson, Hamilton, Mo; Peighton Slifer, Olathe, Ks; and a host of loving relatives and devoted friends
SEMPER FI
"Always Faithful�