James Dale Brankel was born in Curtis, Oklahoma. He spent most of his life as an Assemblies of God minister. Brankel pastored a number of church and also served as an evangelist. The last church he served was Harvest Time Assembly of God in El Cajon, Califorinia. Brankel was a powerful Pentecostal preacher and well known as a campmeeting speaker, preaching more than 150 camps.

Brother Brankel went to be with the Lord on April 18, 2007.