Jim Brandenburg Obituary

James "Jim" Paul Brandenburg, 68, formerly of Geneva, IL, went home to be with the Lord on January 24, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children in Greenville, SC. He was born on April 24, 1957, in Aurora, IL, to Charles Brandenburg and Doris Quinn Brandenburg. He was united in marriage with Cheryl L. Thryselius Brandenburg on February 25, 1978, in Mooseheart, IL.

Jim grew up in Batavia, IL, where he played neighborhood baseball, ran a paper route and even raised pigeons. He and Cheryl met in school and started dating during their senior year at Batavia High. They have been together ever since, sharing nearly 48 years of marriage. After deciding they wanted more than pet dogs and birds, Jim and Cheryl welcomed Andrew, Matthew and Elizabeth into the family.

Jim worked in construction throughout his career. He began by working in concrete and then shifted to framing homes, where he spent the majority of his career. Over time, he and a business partner started their own business, Precision Builders. Later in life, Jim continued to work on his own with projects spanning home renovations, installing hardwood flooring for Carlson's Floors, and other various tasks. Ultimately, Jim's career was defined less by what he did and more by how he did it. No matter the task, his goal was always to deliver quality without cutting corners. He led with integrity in both word and action.

When he wasn't on the job site, Jim enjoyed a variety of hobbies and pastimes, many of which involved nature and the outdoors. At home, he enjoyed landscaping, gardening, and raising hunting dogs. He also enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, pursuits he shared with his son Matthew as well as some of his brothers, nephews and friends. Over time, his interests expanded to include creating and caring for a koi pond and eventually beekeeping. In all, Jim had a love for animals and nature that informed many of his pastimes, aside from camping. Jim made it very clear he did not enjoy camping.

Aside from his family, the biggest hallmark of Jim's life was his faith. He and Cheryl came to know the Lord after they were married and eventually joined Calvary Baptist Church in Geneva, IL. Over the next 40 years, Jim and Cheryl enjoyed attending and ministering at several different churches in the area. Jim also took part in local ministries: teaching Sunday School at Bethel Baptist Church and being a prison chaplain at the DeKalb County Jail under Sheriff Scott. He preached there every week for 22 years, faithfully sharing the Gospel and praising God for the change that it brought to inmates. Serving as a prison chaplain was one of his greatest joys in life. His love for the Lord encompassed everything he did. Jim often quoted 1 Cor. 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." Jim's labor was definitely not in vain, and the Lord blessed his faithfulness.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cheryl Brandenburg of Greenville, SC; three children, Andrew Brandenburg, of Charlotte, NC, Matthew Brandenburg (Rachel) of Fountain Inn, SC, and Elizabeth Campbell (Landon) of Greenville, SC; three grandchildren, Wesley Campbell, Ada Campbell, and Miles Campbell; six siblings, Fred Brandenburg (Carrie), Tom Brandenburg (Suzanne), Bob Brandenburg, Mike Brandenburg (Wendy), Deb Welling, and Ray Brandenburg (Tracey); and many nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and a sister-in-law, Pamela Brandenburg.

A visitation will be held on February 10, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church Simpsonville from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service in Cannon-Byrd Memorial Park.

In Jim's memory, memorial contributions may be made to the jail ministry he served with called Law & Grace. Donations can be sent to First Baptist Church c/o Bill Lee at Law and Grace, 316 N. Sycamore St., Genoa, IL 60135.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Jim with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".