James Henry Bratton Jr.

James Henry Bratton, Jr., born October 9, 1931 in Pulaski, TN to James Henry and Mabel (Shelly) Bratton, died January 6, 2019 in Atlanta, GA. Jim grew up in Decherd, TN and graduated optime merens, Phi Beta Kappa and Valedictorian of his class from Sewanee: The University of the South with a BA in Political Science. He was Sewanee’s first Fulbright Scholar and earned the distinction while still an undergraduate. As a Fulbright, he attended Pembroke College, Oxford where he earned a BA and MA and was a member of the rowing team. Later, he earned an LL. B. from Yale University while serving as Editor of the Yale Law Journal. Upon graduation, he joined the law firm of Gambrell, Harlan, Barwick and White (now, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP). He practiced complex and protracted litigation in the Aviation and Environmental Industries. He was Founding Chairman of the Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia. He held adjunct faculty positions at Emory and UGA Law Schools. Jim was a member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and served as Chair of the Board of Trustees, a Trustee of Sewanee: The University of the South, President of the Buckhead Christian Ministries, President of Peachtree Heights West Civic Association, Treasurer of Pembroke College Foundation, and a member of the Yale Law School Alumni Executive Committee. Jim is survived by his wife, Alleen; children: Susan Bratton McGonigle and Kevin McGonigle; James H. Bratton III and Vicky Vieth Bratton; Margaret Bratton Schilling and Andrew Schilling; and eight grandchildren: John McGonigle; Molly McGonigle; Will McGonigle; James H. Bratton, IV; Catherine Bratton; Charles Bratton; Emilie Schilling; and Hank Schilling.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund at the University of the South c/o University Advancement 735 University Ave., Sewanee, TN 37383. A memorial service will be held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church Thursday, January 10th, at 1pm. A graveside service will be held Friday, January 11th in Sewanee, TN.