Jim Braxton started playing college football at West Virginia University in 1967 and was the team's second leading rusher (272 yards) in his sophomore season in 1968.

As a senior, he converted to tight end, catching 27 passes for 565 yards and eight touchdowns and that was good enough for first-team All-American honors.

"[3] While Braxton and his eventual wife, Pam, were dating in college, she became pregnant, and the couple decided it was best they gave their child up for adoption.

He died at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York where he was undergoing treatment.

His nephew, Landon Turner, played offensive lineman for the North Carolina Tar Heels.