James D. Braden, 19, of 104 Second Street, New Bremen, Ohio, died 8:10 P.M. Friday, February 5, 2010, at the Ross Heart Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, after a sudden illness.

He was born July 9, 1990, in Saint Marys, the son of Jonathan and Diane (Bowerman) Braden. His father survives in New Bremen, and his mother Diane Bowerman Perry survives in Celina.

He is also survived by his two sisters: Nicole Braden of Celina; Stephanie Braden of Greenville, South Carolina; by his maternal grandparents: Donald and Donna Bowerman of Minster; by his aunts and uncles: Debera (John) Chapman of Indianapolis; Dorothy (Lester) Dunlap of Maumee, Ohio; Robert Braden, Jr. of Lorain, Ohio; Susan Braden Day of Charlotte, North Carolina; Chuck (Judy) Braden of New Knoxville; Deb Braden of Charleston, South Carolina; Beth Braden Schoffner of Sidney, Ohio; by a niece, Lita Braden; by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Joyce Braden.

James was a 2009 graduate of Wapakoneta High School, where he had been an active member of the band., He played the saxophone. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends, playing video games and rooting for the University of Michigan Wolverines sports teams.

Funeral rites will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 12, 2010, at the Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home, 314 West High Street, Saint Marys, Pastor Mark Weller, officiant. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery in New Knoxville, where James will be buried with his grandparents.
Friends may call from noon until the time of services on Friday at the funreral home, where memorial donations may be directed to the Wapakoneta High School Band.