Lifelong Bay Area resident- Jean R. Branscum, 72, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 in San Leandro, CA. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. 
Jean was born in Oakland, CA in 1944 to Dean and Esther Branscum. He attended Castlemont High School in Oakland and Ravenswood High School in East Palo Alto. A hot rod fanatic since he was a boy, Jean passionately studied hot rods at the University of Mars, where his natural, hands-on talent shined. Jean worked as a proud auto body repair man for his entire career of 37 years. He was a long time member of the International Association of Machinists. 
A devoted family man, Jean spent most of his free time with his wife and children. You could also find him in his garage working on his old cars, listening to B.B. King and Buddy Guy, sipping on a rum and coke. Jean also enjoyed tending to the vast garden that he and his wife Isabel created throughout the years. Jean strongly believed in honesty, hard work, helping out those less fortunate, and showed great care for his family, friends and neighbors. His kind heart and sense of humor will be missed greatly by all. 
Jean is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Isabel Branscum; his 4 children, Cheri Stark, Dino Simmons (wife Michelle), Elizabeth McCreary (husband Chris), and Sarah Branscum; his grandchildren, Chris Watson, Julie Watson, and Sherlynn Simmons; 4 great grandchildren, niece Allyson, nephews Keith, Glenn and Bob, and great nieces and nephews. Jean is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Esther Branscum, sister Elinor Parrish and brother-in-law Bob Parish, and brother Dean Branscum.
Visitation will be 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, October 14th, 2016 at Grissom’s Chapel and Mortuary, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. Funeral services begin at 1 pm. Jean will be laid to rest at Lone Tree Cemetery, 24591 Fairview Ave., Hayward. A reception will follow at Grissom's Mortuary.