Police Officer James Williams Branson, Jr., St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri

Police Officer James Williams Branson, Jr.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Sunday, March 9, 2003

Add to My Heroes

James Williams Branson, Jr.

Police Officer James Branson died of an injury he received when he was involved in a motor vehicle crash while in pursuit of a stolen vehicle.

He and his partner spotted a vehicle that had been taken a few hours earlier in a carjacking. When the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a pursuit began. During the pursuit, the officer's police cruiser collided with a sport utility vehicle at the intersection of North Market Street and North Jefferson Avenue.

Officer Branson was treated for a broken ankle and had surgery on the ankle on February 14th, 2003, and was sent home to recover. On March 9th, 2003, he suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism caused by a massive blood clot that traveled from his ankle to his heart and lungs.

Officer Branson had served with the St. Louis Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 36
Tour 4 years, 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Incident Date Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Weapon Automobile
Offender Escaped

stolen vehicle, vehicle pursuit

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 112 Reflections

Wow, after many years I have just come across this site. Reading all the wonderful and caring thoughts brings me to tears and so many memories. It is heartwarming to hear how my Dad brought so much value to the community and his teammates! I know he was a good and dedicated worker as he was an awesome Father! There is not a single day that goes by without me thinking of you, you are such a huge part of me mentally and spiritually and physically and emotionally! You will forever be in my heart and soul! Dad I love you and we are doing our best coping with life and the many challenges. I am blessed to have you as a Dad/ Hero. Your grandchild Aiyanna would have loved to meet you. I tell her all about you and how much you meant to us. I miss that I can’t talk to you for advice and guidance but , God has blessed me to be strong and strong minded and I am grateful to be able be a seed of your blood! The family and I will always keep you alive and will always remember that you are the most special person in our lives and we will always carry you in our hearts.

I love you,
Your Daughter
Apifany Branson
8/25/2024
Continue to respect in peace until we meet again.

Apifany Branson
Daughter

August 25, 2024