James A. “Jim” Braun

James A. (Jim) Braun, former president and CEO of Youth In Need, a youth and family services organization serving more than 20,000 individuals and families in six eastern Missouri counties, passed away peacefully at home Friday, December 22, 2017 at the age of 69. He had been struggling with stage-four pancreatic cancer for over two years.

Jim was born and raised in Affton, Missouri. He graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1971. His deeply held belief in the need to serve those most marginalized and vulnerable in society eventually found expression in his work as a mental health counselor, social worker, and nonprofit administrator. After earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work from St. Louis University, Jim served as president and CEO of Youth in Need from 1988 until his retirement in 2012. Under his tenure the organization’s budget grew from $500,000 to $17 million and the number of children and families served increased from 350 to 10,000. Jim’s resolve to nurture the health and well-being of children and families was embodied in the care, devotion, and love he continually showed to his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Passionate in his love for classical music, Jim travelled the country and the globe as a concertgoer. In 2010, he accompanied the New York Philharmonic as a guest on their international tour, traveling with the orchestra and attending concerts throughout Europe. As an enthusiastic fly-fisherman and nature-lover, he made numerous excursions to the mountain west with both friends and family.

Jim’s greatest legacy will be the example he set for all who encountered him in how to live life openly and face death gracefully. As he stated in his own words, “My hope is that when people remember me, they will be reminded of their own mortality, take time to cherish and nurture the relationships in their lives, and be mindful to provide kind thoughts, prayers and meaningful actions to those that struggle without the advantage of loving family and friends”.

Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years Pamela (nee Weeks) Braun; sons Benjamin (Laura) Braun and Joel (Rebecca) Braun; grandchildren Joshua, Evie, Gil, and Max Braun; and brother David Braun. He is preceded in death by his parents George and Edna (nee Kramer) Braun and by his brother Joel W. (Carol) Braun.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.youthinneed.org or the charity of your choice.