James Wylie "J.W." Braden , 98, of Center, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Malcolm Monroe officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born June 3, 1927, in Mexia, Texas, J.W. is the son of Wylie Robinson Braden and Lavada Samford Braden. He graduated from Center High School and went on to further his education at Lom Morris College.  J.W. lived and traveled all over the world. He worked as a comptroller of finance for Gulf Oil for over thirty years.  In 1983, J.W. moved back to Center, where he was active in the community. He was inducted into the Center High School Hall of Fame.  J.W. cultivated numerous friendships throughout Shelby County. He was member of Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149 and First Methodist Church.

He is survived by his children, James W. (Brad) Braden, Jr. and partner Hector Hernandez of Clarkston, Georgia, Julie Ann Braden of Cypress, Texas, Susan Braden Hobbs and husband Tim of Henderson, Kentucky, and Nancy Braden Platzner and husband Todd of Huntsville, Texas; grandchildren, Samantha Platzner of Huntsville, Texas, Mollie Hobbs of Louisville, Kentucky, Rachel Hobbs and husband Kyle Vincent of Louisville, Kentucky, and Nathaniel Hobbs and fiancé, Katie Cherichello of Nashville, Tennessee; cousin, Bill Tuck of Florida; nephews, Gale Adams of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Riley Adams of Nacogdoches, Texas; and niece, Lou Evelyn Adams.

Preceded in death by his wife, Mollie A. Brittain Braden; wife, Edna "Bobbie" Gay Braden; and sister, Ruthelma Lou Adams.

Memorial donations may be made to Carl Farley's Boys Ranch, PO Box 1890, Amarillo, Texas 79174.