James A Bracy

James Addison Bracy James A. Bracy, of Plattsburgh, passed away on October 16, 2009, at home, with his family by his side, after a heroic battle with cancer. James was a dear son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, professor and friend, who will be greatly missed. He was 62 years young. James was born in Bangor, Maine, on Dec. 29, 1946. His early years in "The Pine Tree State" were spent in Northeast Harbor where he fell in love with the ocean. James excelled in school, athletics, debate and public speaking, for which he won many awards. James was a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War. He later worked at two Veterans Administration hospitals as an accountant. While working at the VA Hospital in Albany, he was given an award for developing a new accounting program. He graduated with a BS from Plattsburgh State University and a MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. James was a Professor at Clinton Community College for thirty years and taught several subjects, including accounting, business, and business law. He helped start and advise a Veterans Group at the College. In addition to teaching, James also opened an accounting practice, James A. Bracy, Accounting, which he operated for numerous years. James loved nature, fishing, golf and chess. He played chess competitively throughout life, sometimes against professionals, and won many awards. James coached basketball, baseball and was a scout master. James was known for his contagious smile and laughter and loved to tell stories and jokes, much to the delight of his listeners. His children, grandchildren and students particularly loved his tales and humor. James loved God and His Holy Mother Mary, his family and country. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Morris Dwyer Council 255, St. Peter's Church where he helped with various activities over the years. He served as lector and Eucharistic Minister. With his wife Linda, James started Natural Family Planning Services of the Diocese of Ogdensburg and they opened many Centers around the Diocese. He attended daily Mass for several years, as well as prayed the daily Rosary with his family. James spent an hour weekly in Eucharistic Adoration until his final illness. James is predeceased by his parents, Kenneth Bracy and Charlotte (Smith) Bracy, and two grandchildren, Claire Marie Bracy and Gabrielle Marie Bracy. James is survived by his wife, Linda Bracy; his children: Darren Bracy and his wife Mary of Carthage, NY; Atty. Evan Bracy and his wife Jackie of Plattsburgh; Barth Bracy and his wife Abbie of Foster, RI; Jennifer Bracy of Charlton, MA; Mary Beth Bracy of Plattsburgh, NY and James A. Bracy II of Plattsburgh, NY; his sister Madeline Lockard and her husband Perley of Moodus, CT, his sister Sandra Doyon of OH, and his brother Kenneth Bracy II of CT, as well as fourteen Bracy grandchildren: Crystal, Adam, Andrew, Paul, Catherine, Therese, Erin, Ryan, Nick, Matthew, Sarah, Nathanael, Andre, and John Paul. Calling hours will be Sunday, October 18 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. " 8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, on Broad St., in Plattsburgh. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter's Church on Monday, October 19 at 1 p.m., followed by the burial in Redford at 4:30 p.m. In addition to mass donations, anyone wishing may make donations to the Clinton Community College Foundation, C/O C.C.C. Veterans Club, 136 Clinton Point Drive, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 or Hospice of the North Country, who it made possible for James to spend his last days at home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Online condolence and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com