- Date Of Birth: January 16, 1931
- Date Of Death: January 13, 2020
- State: Pennsylvania
James “Jim” W Bracken, SrJanuary 16, 1931 – January 13, 2020Son of Thomas A Bracken and Madeleine Grady Bracken, and brother of the late Thomas J (Polly Wall).Survived by his wife of 61 yrs. Elizabeth J. “Betsy”, his children Suzanne (Mark “Butch”) McInnes, James “Jim” W. Jr. (Mary Therese “Teenie”) and John M. (Sharon). Survived by his 8 grandchildren, Megan Hammill, Garrett & Erin McInnes, Matt & Andrew & Lauren Bracken, Sarah & Katie Bracken and his 2 great-grandchildren, Quinn & Amelia Hammill.James W. Bracken “Jim” died three days before his 89th birthday. Jim was a long-time resident of Overbrook, where he spent most of his childhood and where he returned after marrying Betsy Joyce Bracken. They spent their last two years together in Wynnewood, and his family grew up and embraced the Overbrook experience, kicking and fighting till the end to stay in the large, drafty, wonderful house that was 6426 Drexel Road. There were fond memories and stories, always stories, some comedy some tragedy but always it was all about spent his summers with his family in Avalon, NJ accumulating fond memories for 82 years in the house his father bought in 1937. That house still looks today much like it did when his father purchased it. Memories include happy hours on the deck, painting the white fence, walking to the beach to take pictures, and having friends and families of multiple generations over to the house where there were parties and pinochle also served is US Navy as LTJG on USS Intrepid 1954-1957 where he traveled through most of the Mediterranean. His love for photography began in the Navy, this was when he bought his first camera, a Leica, to send pictures home to his documented the wonderful times, family trips, days at the beach, Holidays, Showers, engagements, anniversaries, parties, and for everything under the sun. There are slides, prints and digital photos stored in closets, stairwells and places yet to be discovered. Yes, the family gathered around the slide projector and yes there were always a few slides that were viewed upside down but it was worth it to relive the family trips and adventures together. Starting in his sophomore year at college, one of the priests at St. Joseph’s College convinced him to join the Glee Club, this was when he first appreciated his very real talent and love for music. From that day on there was no turning back, he made singing a major part of his life. There were solos at weddings and numerous choirs that he was part of over the years. In his last few years, as a member of the Horizon Glee club, he sang in concerts at the Kimmel center and Retirement homes throughout the Philadelphia Jesuit education at St. Joseph Prep ’48, St. Joseph’s College ’52 was a large part of his life. In the most recent years his love for The Prep was renewed as he took great pride in attending the Father Son Communion Breakfasts with his grandsons Garrett ’05, Matt ’15 and Andrew ’17 and his son-in-law Butch, and sons Jim ’79 and John ’83.
