James R. Brandon

James (Jim) R. Brandon, age 66, passed away on February 12, 2025, in White Bear Lake, MN after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Jim was born on July 7th, 1958 in Sioux Falls, SD to David and Barbara (Mulhair) Brandon. In 1968, the family moved to Winona, MN, where Jim attended St. Stanislaus Elementary and Cotter Catholic High School. There, he met what would become some of his lifelong friends, and over the years, he would gain many more. 

He earned a Business Associate’s degree from Winona State Technical College and soon after pursued his general contractor license, embarking on a career in kitchen remodeling. Jim worked in the industry for over 40 years, finding great pride and joy in his work. He was a dedicated business owner who loved making a positive impact on both his colleagues and customers. He purchased Kitchens Direct in 1991 and later founded Kitchens of Stillwater in 2000 and Kitchens of Woodbury in 2011. 

Jim was always up for an adventure. His passions included attending sporting events and concerts (too many to count), hunting, fishing, and repeatedly laughing at the same episodes of Seinfeld, even when he wasn’t watching it. Known for never turning down candy or a happy hour invitation, he embraced life with a lighthearted spirit. He especially cherished his annual traditions, including pheasant hunting in Kimball and Huron, SD (since 1987), traveling across North America for Brandon family reunions (since 1989), and fellas’ Gopher football trips (since 2006). Jim will always be remembered for his sense of humor, love for his family and friends, and willingness to go with the flow. 

Jim faced ALS with remarkable strength and resilience, never losing his signature positivity as the disease progressed. Despite losing his mobility and speech, he continued to crack jokes and share sarcastic remarks through his eye-gaze communication device, a testament to his indomitable spirit.

Jim is survived by his children: Trent Brandon, Marly Brandon, and Maddie (Charlie) Marschall; his partner, Diane Holst; his siblings: Patty Doyle, Cathy Rohde, Jeff (Sara) Brandon, Linda Flanagan, and Joe (Lori) Brandon; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and his loyal dog, Toby (17). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Randy Rohde. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the ALS Association and the dedicated caregivers who supported Jim throughout his devastating and debilitating disease. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the ALS Association to help improve the quality of life for those living with ALS and to continue the fight for a cure.

Per Jim’s wishes, his body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program for continued advancements in medical care through research. 

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at the Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN, on Saturday, March 29th at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Join us for a day of music, cocktails, friendships, and cherished memories as we celebrate Jim’s well-lived life—just as he would have wanted.