Brandt, James David age 68, of Mapleton, MN, died Thursday, June 6, 2019 at his home in Mapleton, MN. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Minnesota Lake Twp., Faribault Co., MN with Pastor Joy Bruder officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A private interment will be at Union Cemetery, Mapleton, MN. Condolences: brussheitner.com. Jim's home address: 56677 125th St., Mapleton, MN 56065. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of arrangements. James was a state and federal inspector for the Railroad/DOT for 47 years before retiring. Jim was the only track inspector in the state of Minnesota that walked 4500 miles of track by himself. In Morton, MN, there is the Brandt Engine House on the Prairie Line Track, honoring Jim Brandt and the 94.5 mile route he walked to check the railbed condition and mark areas that needed repair or replacement. On a railroad curve near Wayzata, MN, is Brandt's Curve at Capones Island. James is survived by his wife Jeanette Brandt of Mapleton, MN; children: Michelle (Gregg) Schwartz of Austin, MN, Tim (Michelle) Brandt of Mapleton, MN, James "Jimmy" Brandt, Jr., of Austin, MN; grandchildren: Samantha, Andrea (fiancé Nick), Taylar (wife Kylie), Autumn, Eli, Kyle, Collin, Ethan, Natalie, great-granddaughter, Esmai; mother-in-law Marie McDonald of Mapleton; brother-in-law Scott (Maureen) McDonald of Albert Lea, MN; special cousins Marge and Steve Schwichtenberg of Beauford, MN; brother; special cousins: The Thompson family as well as many other family, nieces, nephews and friends. James was preceded in death by his parents; son, Troy Brandt; and father-in-law Raymond McDonald.