Obituary of James W. Brannigan

“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots- but you have to play the ball where it lies.” James W. Brannigan passed away on Friday, December 2nd. He shared 71 years of love, kindness and generosity with all who knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 9th at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Ave., Denville, NJ. Military Honors will be present. Friends, fans and relatives may visit on Thursday from 4-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the good work of St. Judes Childrens Hospital by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Born in Newark to the late Robert and Beatrice, Jimmy was one of six children. He grew up in Newark in a big Irish Family. After his schooling, he proudly served this country in the US Navy. Upon his honorable discharge, he met and married Sara Watts and the couple settled in Newark where they started a family of their own. He worked at Verizon for many years, retiring as a construction foreman. He was a member of the KofC Council 6100, Budd Lake and the MSGR Lange Fourth Degree KofC. Jimmy loved the game of golf. He was fortunate in his last years to live on a course and play daily. He was a member of the Myrtle Beach TPC Golf Club, where he could usually be found. Above all, he loved his family. His Sara, the kids and his grandchildren were his world. He has been described this week as “the best man ever” and “the greatest soul on this earth”. What a legacy to leave behind… Predeceased by his adored daughter Mary Catherine Koenig; he leaves happy memories to his wife Sara of 46 years; son Michael and daughter Bridget Brannigan; darling grandchildren Maggie, Emily, Richie, Sara, Brian and Dylan; very dear sisters Annie Saskowitz (Charles), Kathleen Piegaro (Nicholas) and Helen Shanley; brothers Edward (Maureen) and Deacon Patrick (MaryAnn); and many more loving relatives, friends, golf buddies and acquaintances.