James Brannigan Obituary

James R. Brannigan, 75, of Bridgeport CT, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025 in Meriden. He was the son of the late Robert and Sally (Wilber) Brannigan. Jim was a U.S. Army Veteran with the 82nd Airborne. At 19 years old he shook hands with President Johnson as he boarded a plane for Vietnam. For gallantry-in-action, he received the Silver and Bronze Star as well as the Army Commendation metal. Following in his father's footsteps he worked as a machinist. He had a love of the sea enjoying sailing and scuba diving, becoming a divemaster. He enjoyed woodworking, always hoping to build a boat. He loved baseball, especially the NY Yankees and animals, always having a dog by his side. He is survived by three sisters, Patricia Scheck and Nancy Brannigan of Stratford and Heidi Brannigan of Bristol, nine nieces and nephews Michael and Steven Peslak, Kim Polasek Jennifer Tardie, Caitlin Becker, Eric Bombardier, David, Cheyne and Kylie Brannigan and his dog Chauncey. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Thursday, February 20th at 1:00 PM at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT 06457. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the cemetery. The John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St, Meriden is entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.