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.