Lois D. Brannan

7/3/1930 — 1/12/2017

Send a Condolence

"Jimmie" was born to Robert F. and Jennie Lervold James on July 3, 1930, in Billings, Mont. She passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, in Lewiston.

She attended grade school in Billings except for several months in Cody, Wyo., where the family lived for a short time. In 1943, they moved to Pocatello, where she completed her education. There she married Wilson "Bill" W. Reed on June 17, 1947. Two daughters were born while living in Pocatello. In December 1954, the family moved to Lewiston, where Bill managed the Sherwin Williams Paint Company branch for 12 years. Both Reeds were involved in church and civic organizations. He was named Lewiston's "Young Man Of The Year" in 1962.

With her husband, she served as co-president of Warner School Parent Teacher Association and later as secretary for Sacajawea Junior High School. She was a Blue Bird and Campfire Girl leader for several years, and she taught Sunday and vacation Bible school at Grace Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran churches. She was a long-time member of Beta Sigma Phi and worked part time in the office of the YWCA. In 1964 she was recipient of the "Young Woman Of The Year Award" for her community contributions.

Their family was very active in boating activities. They enjoyed waterskiing on the river as well as Lake Chatcolet.

A company transfer took them to Sacramento, Calif., where in 1966 she resumed her schooling. She graduated as a certified medical receptionist and worked for a number of doctors during the subsequent years. Bill's work took them to Honolulu in 1972. She worked in several capacities for Windward Medical Center in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Bill passed away unexpectedly March 20, 1978. They had come to love Hawaii and her people.

Jimmie returned to Pocatello, but after a year of urging from dear friends, she returned to Lewiston in 1979. Here she met and married Dale Brannan on Jan. 26, 1980. She retired from Dermatology Associates, and they resided in a home Dale had built in Asotin.

Together they enjoyed boating and were active in Hell's Canyon Boat Club. They were co-chairmen for many luaus, where she particularly enjoyed teaching hula dancing to the men as well as the women. They enjoyed boating excursions in the San Juan Islands and winter trips to Hawaii.

They later became avid golfers. She was active with the Ladies' Association and served as president. They enjoyed Sunday golfing with the couples group and several trips to other cities' golf courses.

Jimmie continued volunteer service, first with the original hospice class at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and later with RSVP, where she led exercises and read the newspaper at Evergreen Estates and Clarkston Care Center.

Two of her most cherished memories were spending her 70th birthday in Rome, Italy, with family and the surprise 25th anniversary gathering hosted by the children of their blended family in Lewiston.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Dale in 2015; as well as by her parents and brother Robert F. James.

She is survived by daughters Debbi and husband Ray Jahaaski of Colorado, and Michele and husband Terry Finseth of California; grandson Travis Finseth, wife Jaime and great-grandchildren Reed, Mari and Cade Finseth of Mississippi; granddaughter Malia Brooks and great-grandchildren Trenton and Emy Brooks of California. In addition she leaves her beloved "stepfamily:" Dan and wife Lorraine Brannan of Pullman; Jeanne and husband Don Tulloch of Yakima, Wash.; JoAnne and husband Chuck Bryan of Pullman; grandchildren Chad and wife Sarah Tulloch and great-grandchild Emerson Tulloch of California; Tami and husband Nathan Worker and great-grandchildren Britton and Ryland Worker of Colorado; Cole and wife Jennifer Bryan; Beau and wife Natalie Bryan and great-grandchild Finley Bryan of North Carolina; and Pam Brannan Rogers and great-grandchildren Brady, Bryce and Brock Rogers of Washington.

A celebration of Jimmie's life will be held later in the year.

Print Obituary Send a Condolence Back to Listings