James "Jim" Vincent Braun, 88, of St. Charles passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the Whitewater Health Services in St. Charles, where he has resided since December of 2023. He was born on August 3, 1935, in St. Charles to Jacob and Mary (Schleck) Braun. He attended school in St. Charles. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the US Marine Corp. Jim served three years from 1953 – 1956, serving one year in Korea. Jim married the love of his life Arlene Fabian on August 1, 1959, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

After his honorable discharge he went to work for St. Charles Condensing Plant driving semi, and parttime for Nesler Grain Haulers, and the City of St. Charles. Later he worked fulltime for the City of St. Charles Utility Department for many years when he retired after 52 years.

Jim was a member of St. Charles American Legion and was Post Commander from 1981 – 1982 and was with the St. Charles VFW Firing Squad. Jim managed the St. Charles Legion Baseball Team for several years. He was a member of St. Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles. In 2003 he was named the Winona County Outstanding Senior Citizen. Jim always said, "If you have your health and family, everything else is a blessing."

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Fabian of St. Charles, three sons, David (Paula) Braun of St. Charles, Kevin (Connie) Braun of Mississippi, and Mark (Stacy) Braun of St. Charles; nine grandsons, Ryan Barron (Sunny), A.J. (Greta), Jim Twernbold (Dana), Shane (Arielle), Jake (Justine), Cody (Alicia), Josh (Michelle), Jerricho (Maddy), and David Ty; ten great-grandchildren, Liam, Dawson, Cooper, Paxton, Zooey, Azra, Jameson, Rowan, Olivia, and Sophia; and one sister, Barb (Duane) Scheutt. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Francis, Harold, Evelyn, Bob, and Tom.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles with Fr. Jonathan Fasnacht officiating. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. A private family burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles, military graveside rites will be by St. Charles American Legion and St. Charles VFW. Memorials are preferred.