James Jay Brandt, age 82, of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully in his home on September 27, 2023.

Jim was born on December 29, 1940, in Chicago, IL, to Earl Frank and Mella (Clark) Brandt. He married Linda Bourg in Amarillo, TX, on June 17, 1967. He is survived by his spouse and three sons: James Michael of Redwood City, CA, John Paul (Terry Hackworth) of Austin, TX, and Joseph Alan (Mary) Brandt of Sun City, AZ. He also is survived by his brother, Michael Earl (Gretchen) Brandt of Peoria, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents and sister, Betty Rose Goeters, predeceased him.

Jim grew up in Chicago, IL. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for four years, and during his last assignment in Amarillo he met Linda. He received his college degree from West Texas A&M University, and he worked in various administrative positions for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for about 25 years. He and Linda were transferred to several different cities in the midwest and southern US before settling in San Diego in 1973. In 1994, he retired from the VA, and later worked for both St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and Torrey Pines Christian Church as Business Manager. He was an active member of the Serra Club of San Diego.

In 2006, Jim and Linda moved from their original home in Clairemont to the retirement community of Seven Oaks in Rancho Bernardo, where they became active parishioners of St. Michael Catholic Church in Poway. He was a daily Communicant, and he loved to sing in the choir. In fact, singing was a dynamic part of his life since high school.  He was a "Golden Oldie" member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (formerly SPEBSQSA) since 1971. He especially enjoyed singing in quartets as the baritone (most notably, Especially FOUR You!, Finest City Sound, Good Times Emporium, and Vocal Fusion), performing for various private and community events.

Additionally, Jim was an avid model train hobbyist.  He loved his trains, and he had quite a collection of HO-scale trains. He was very proud of his train set that was displayed in the family room for many years.

Above all, Jim loved his family, and they frequently took vacations together. Lake Tahoe became a favorite spot, where Jim and Linda chose to travel almost every summer. He loved to cook, and a common Saturday night fare was a grilled steak and baked potato.

Cremation will be accorded. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church (in Poway) on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 10:30 am (Rev. Victor Maristela  presiding). The Rite for the Burial of Ashes and military honors will follow the Mass at Miramar National Cemetery the following Monday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church in his honor.

To view Jim's online obituary or leave a condolence for the family, please visit https://www.powaybernardomortuary.net/obituary.