James H. Brann

LEWISTON — James H. Brann passed away January 7, 2018, with his children by his side. He was born November 11, 1932, in Lewiston to Elwood and Maggie Brann Sr. He met his wife of 61 years, Connie Marsh Brann, through the Lewiston (for him) and Auburn (for her) Methodist youth fellowship, and they were married Feb. 18, 1956, when she was a senior in college.

After graduating from Lewiston High School, he attended The University of Maine in Orono on a tuition–free scholarship. Following graduation from the university, he earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University. Jim and Connie and, eventually, their three children lived in Delaware, Ohio, California, Florida, and Massachusetts, before deciding in 1968 to come home to Lewiston-Auburn. Their cross-country moves spurred their love of long drives, which included driving to Arizona to visit his sister, Sally; leaf peeping in Rangley; bargain hunting in North Conway, N.H., and going to their favorite restaurant of the moment, including Bagels ‘n’ Things, which continued almost as long as they drove.

After having taught at the college level at Ohio State, University of Florida and and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (where he started the computer lab), Jim taught math and computer science for many years at Lewiston High School, and then designed computer programs for the Maine Bureau of Taxation and Anderson Consulting. He also continued to teach math part time at Husson College, The University of Maine and the local community college.

After coming home to Maine, Jim and Connie for many years hosted pool parties and other family gatherings at their home on Gamage Avenue in Auburn. He was known for his homemade baked beans and lasagna dinners.

Jim was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Master Mason, as well as a proud Shriner. He was one of the original Kora Krazy Kops, and played saxophone in the Kora Shrine Band. Jim and Connie parlayed his Krazy Kop uniform (and her complementary outfit) into winning the best costume award on their first Caribbean cruise, beginning a long love affair with cruises. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed playing his saxophone, playing in a number of bands and then playing solo until the end of his life. As someone who always loved numbers, he delighted in doing sudoku. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and deep love for his family.

In addition to his wife, Connie, Jim is survived by his son, Peter Brann; daughter Nancy Lander, and her husband, Tim; and daughter, Sandra Brann; six grandchildren; and four great–grandchildren. He was very proud of their achievements. He is also survived by his sister, Sally Hanscom. He was predeceased by his brother, Elwood Brann Jr.