James "Mike" Brantley

James Michael Brantley, 70, of Pampa, passed away on April 10, 2024, in Pampa.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Chaplain Ken Branum , officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. 

August 17, 1953, in Grants Pass, Oregon, Mike was born to James and Cora Brantley. Moving to Pampa in 1958 at the age of 5, his first question, “Where are all the trees?” When he discovered the “little dinosaurs down by the track” he decided it wasn’t that bad. He met his first friend, Glenn Jameson. Who wound up being his lifelong friend until the very end. 

Mike was a faceted man of many trades and skills. He was a man of many hats, literally and figuratively. He always said he was born in the wrong century. His knowledge of “The old West” had no limits.

When he finally settled down from his hitch-hiking days, he came back to Pampa. He met JoDalene and soon met a baby girl named Heather. He became a keeper of all things great and small. He had many critters over the years. Snakes, lizards, rodents, insects, spiders, owls, birds, turtles, you name it, he probably had one or two. 

Heather remained his best critter yet. He loved her like his own because in his eyes, she is.

So many of his interests he passed down to her. He taught her and anyone that took the time something. He taught Heather how to thirst for knowing.

He thought the world of her and for her he hung the moon. She remained by his side until he went to grab the poles and go fishing with his grandboys.

Proceeding Mike in death are grandparents, Cleveland and Sybil Brantley; father, James Brantley; mother, Cora Ferguson; brother, David Brantley; grandboys, Liam Ridenour, Castiel Brantley-Ridenour.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Heather Brantley; son-in-law, Kevin Ridenour; sister, Sherri Gardner and husband James; two nieces Maegan Holycross and husband Gary, Chelsea Dyer; and his friend, Glenn Jameson.

The family would like to give special thanks to the High Plains Senior Care Hospice Ladies. Without them we wouldn’t have had the time we did.