James D. Braden

Obituary for James Douglas Braden

James Douglas Braden, 82, of Powell, Ohio, passed away on September 15, 2024. He was born in Newark, Ohio, on July 19, 1942, to the late Robert and Geraldine Braden. Jim is lovingly survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Braden; his daughters, Jennifer Braden and Kristen Braden; his son-in-law, Bryan Newell; and his four adoring grandchildren, Jack and Sam Braden, and Sidney and Braden Newell. 

Education and Early Life

Jim attended the University of Cincinnati, where he studied Civil Engineering. During his time there, he co-oped with the City of Columbus. It was in Cincinnati that he met Sue while living in the same apartment building. They married in October 1967 in Mariemont, Ohio. After a honeymoon in Kentucky, they moved to Columbus to start their life together. 

Career Highlights

Jim dedicated over 46 years to the highway construction industry in Central Ohio and beyond. His expertise encompassed estimating, purchasing, negotiating, engineering, job costing, and supporting field operations. 

For the first 27 years of his career, Jim worked at Concrete Construction Company rising to position of Vice President. Following this, Jim spent 19 years as Vice President at Kokosing Construction Company, where he managed the estimating and engineering for the Heavy/Highway Division. He focused on estimating projects for highway construction, site development, concrete paving, and airport paving for state DOTs, county engineers, and local municipalities. 

Jim retired in 2014, leaving behind a significant legacy in the construction industry. He was widely respected for his strong work ethic, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence, inspiring those around him throughout his distinguished career. 

Personal Accomplishments 

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. His love for family extended to everyone important in their lives, embracing his daughters’ friends and becoming role model and supporter to many. He welcomed his son-in-law with open arms, making him feel like part of the family from the very beginning. 

Jim was the biggest cheerleader for his daughters, attending all their sporting events and school activities. He encouraged their education, often helping them study and providing any support necessary for them to excel. 

While he loved everyone in his family, his greatest joy came from being a grandparent. After years of working, he initially worried about retirement, but he quickly threw himself into his grandchildren’s lives. He became a constant presence at both important and everyday events, offering encouragement and support. Jim enjoyed working with all four grandchildren on their homework, especially math, and he excelled at being both a grandparent and a role model. 

Jim's purpose in life was to help others, and he embodied this spirit even as this became physically more difficult in his later years. He was always the first to offer assistance to family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, demonstrating his kindness, generosity and handyman talents. 

His interests included Ohio State sports, fishing, baseball, classic Corvettes, building/woodworking and teaching his grandchildren. He loved sharing these passions with his family, and he was happiest when surrounded by them, making lasting memories together. 

A Legacy of Love 

Jim Braden's life was marked by love for his family, dedication to his work, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Memorial Service

A celebration of Jim’s life will start at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, with the service beginning at 12:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home in Powell, Ohio. A luncheon will follow at Liberty Presbyterian Church (7080 Olentangy River Road, Delaware, Ohio). 

Join us as we honor Jim's life. Let us celebrate the wonderful legacy he leaves behind and the many lives he touched along the way. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the scholarship fund established in his name to honor his commitment to education and Ohio’s construction industry. (LINK TO FOLLOW)