James Braun

James "Ham" Braun, age 60, of Faribault, passed away Friday, February 25, 2011 at his home.    Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church (139 Mercy Drive) in Faribault. Interment will be held at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.    Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and for one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday morning.    The family prefers that memorials be directed to the Elk's Lodge Youth Camp.    James Harold Braun, the son of Candice (Misgen) Braun and the late Harold Braun, was born on April 23, 1950 in Faribault, MN. He attended Bethlehem Academy High School and graduated with the class of 1968. Following high school, Jim attended Mankato State University. Jim worked at Met-Con Construction for 23 years, working in various positions and most recently as a truck driver. He considered his relationship with Met-Con like a second family and enjoyed everyone that he worked with. "Ham" enjoyed the college football season watching his nephews play for St. Norberts and Wartburg colleges. He was also an enthusiastic fan of all of his nieces and nephews' sporting activities. Jim enjoyed supplying his family and friends with his favorite 8-year cheddar cheese, smoked salmon, beef sticks, Honey Crisp apples from Abelman's Orchard and Dilly Bars. He also enjoyed the yearly fishing trip to Fowl Lake and ice fishing on French Lake.    Jim's generosity knew no limits. He gave unselfishly to his parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and his friends. He will be remembered for all of his acts of thoughtfulness and generosity.    Jim is survived by his mother, Candice Braun of Faribault; by 7 siblings, Janice (Mike) Mallberg of Adel, IA, Annette (Bob) Stech of Plymouth, MN, Teresa (Dale) Jackson of Naperville, IL, Bob (Laurie) Braun of Faribault, MN, Paul (Shawnda) Braun of Farmington, MN, Pete (Donna) Braun of Faribault and Laurel Braun of Minneapolis, MN; by 15 nieces and nephews, 12 great nieces and nephews and by aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.    His father preceded him in death.