Any chance the branches are damaged closer to the trunk? The rest of the tree looks healthy. Look closely at the branches for anything unusual. Also, how do the buds look on these branches?

nurseryman33, thanks for reviewing and responding to my post. I have given the tree a closer inspection. The dying leaves have now spread to about four branches. The branches are not physically damaged. The buds look good, where the leaves still look good but out toward the end of each branch, where the leaves are dying, the buds are dying too. I noticed that on both dying leaves and healthy ones, there are very tiny little bugs/mites. They are black and hard to even see (smaller than bits of pepper). I now wonder if I have some type of insect infestation. I will do more internet research. Your response is appreciated, thanks.

This post was edited by Redwing2 on Sun, Sep 1, 13 at 10:21

While you're doing your web search, look up Verticillium Wilt on maples. I sure hope this isn't what you have, but I suspect maybe it is.

nurseryman33, I'm afraid you might be right. What I see looks like Verticillium Wilt but I think it's time for me to bring in a local arborist to try to diagnosis it. I did strip back some of the bark on small infected branches and did not see any dark streaking but I understand that this streaking in the cambium layer may not appear in the early stages. Thanks for your help as I try to determine what is going on here.

I wouldn't be surprised if a kid climbing or snow damage bent and creased the branch/branches close to attachment to main trunk. Not enough to snap, just enough to cause stress showing up as early fall color.
I deal with some like this. The branch can be removed, no other concerns.