James Paul Bracken, Sr.

James Paul Bracken Sr. 89, of Nanty Glo, passed away March 21, 2022 at home. Born December 29, 1932 in Nettleton, son of the late Jessie Bracken and Julia Somogyi Black. Preceded in death by son Thomas Paul Bracken and infant son Timothy Paul Bracken. Also preceded in death by sisters Ethel Marie Bracken, Betty Perkins, and Pluma Graham and brother Donald Bracken. Survived by loving wife of 65 years, Florence (Ponchione) Bracken, children Daniel (Sandy) Bracken, James Jr. (Jean) Bracken, Sandra (Craig) Cunningham, and Karen (Joseph) Casper. Grandchildren, Brandon, Cory, Maria, Kristin, Dylan, Bradley, Julienne, Nathan, Maia, Seth, and Rowan. Sisters, Mary Jane (Henry) Reiland and Patricia Bracken, Brother in Law Edward (Debbie) Ponchione. James was an Army Sergeant Veteran, a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Nanty Glo where he served as a reader and eucharistic minister. He was a former Nanty Glo borough council President, a member of Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, Nanty Glo VFW , Polish Club and a charter member of the Blacklick Valley Ambulance Association. James was also instrumental in the early success of the Nanty Glo Pony League. He worked for Bethlehem Steel Mills, was a foreman for Bethlehem Mines and delivered meals for Cambria County Meals on Wheels where he received a Cambria County Commissioners Valor Award. James loved to hunt, fish, and camp. He especially loved his trips to Erie for Steelhead fishing. James cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Bowser Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo. Funeral Mass will be held 10 AM Friday at St. Mary’s Church Nanty Glo, Fr. Leonard Voytek, the Celebrant. Interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Veterans services will be held by the Nanty Glo, Twin Rocks, and Vintondale Ritual Team In lieu of flowers, donations in James’ memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nanty Glo.