[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27533]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF JAMES BRANYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
James Branyan, a pillar of the Camden, Arkansas community for nearly a 
half century. Mr. Branyan died on November 3, 2005 at the age of 72 in 
Camden.
  James Branyan was born in Glendale, Arkansas on January 15, 1933. A 
1950 Glendale High School graduate, Mr. Branyan played basketball for 
Henderson State University. Following graduation, he moved to Camden in 
1956 to manage the Black and White Store. Throughout his impressive 
career, Mr. Branyan went on to own the Credit Shop, the Downtown 
Antique Mall, the Starr Fashion Shop, Banks Jewelry, A & H Ready to 
Wear, Stephens Department Store, Packard's Office Supply, Data Service 
Center Computer Service, KJWH Radio Station, Robertson Feed Store, 
Walker and Associates Advertising and Public Relations, and the Good 
Times Travel Agency.
  Mr. Branyan had a deep love for the place he called home; he truly 
believed Camden was ``paradise.'' Mr. Branyan's commitment went far 
beyond the business community; he was passionate about giving back 
through community service. Mr. Branyan served as President of the PTA, 
President of the Ouachita County Red Cross, Chairman of the United Fund 
Drive, Chairman of the Camden Water Commission, Vice-President of the 
Chamber of Commerce, and this is simply the tip of Mr. Branyan's 
exhaustive list of involvement which kept him involved in every aspect 
of the Camden community.
  Perhaps Mr. Branyan will be most remembered for his decade of service 
to the Arkansas Highway Commission from 1973-1983, a prestigious 
commission which he chaired from 1981-1983.
  In 1962, Mr. Branyan was named Camden's Young Man of the Year, an 
award bestowed upon young men for their dedication to community 
service, and today that award is named in his honor. In 1971, he was 
named Camden's Man of the Year and in 1991 Arkansas's Retail Merchant 
of the Year. Mr. Branyan was also an active member of Maul Road Church 
of Christ, where he served as an elder, Bible school teacher and song 
leader.
  Mr. Branyan was a tremendous businessman and led a life dedicated to 
the betterment of his ``paradise.'' Camden has lost a true friend and 
economic ambassador. I am honored to have known him and counted him as 
a friend. Mr. Branyan will be deeply missed, but his spirit and legacy 
will live on for generations to come throughout the Camden community. 
My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Shirley; their daughters, 
Cherel Chilton and Rhonda Stuart; and their grandchildren, Lance and 
James.