Brannon: Long Way From E. St. Louis

Jim Brannon became the first person in his family to go to college, and when he graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1975 with a degree in communications, he knew his parents were proud. Jay and Jean Brannon weren’t wealthy, but they always made sure there was food to eat and their son had a safe and stable home in East St. Louis, Ill., where Brannon was born. “My parents, Jay and Jean Brannon, were married 62 years this past November,” Brannon said this week. “I lost my father when he passed away last November and my mom lost the love of her life.” Growing up, Brannon was encouraged by his parents to be positive even when life didn’t go exactly as he planned - advice that would serve him well at the start of his political career. “They instructed me to dedicate myself to the tasks at hand, to be open to opportunities presented and to always try to better myself,” Brannon said/ David Cole , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here . (Press photo: Hans Koepsell)