Obituary of James E. Bracken, Sr.

BRACKEN – James E., Sr., 71, of Colver, passed away peacefully, January 1, 2022 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 26, 1950 in Belsano, son of the late Norman and Margaret (Schrock) Bracken. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Thomas and Hazel Bracken; maternal grandparents Ellis and Sarah Schrock; sisters: Linda Spigler and Kathy Warzel; brothers in law: Donald Wozniak, Thomas Roberts and Frank Spigler. Survived by wife, Anna Mae (Sherry) whom he married on November 28, 1968; children: James Bracken, of Wilkes Barre; Timothy (Jan) Bracken, of Ebensburg; and Wendy (Ken) Leap, of Lilly. and grandchildren: Kayla (Brian), TJ and Ethan; and was known as “Poppy Jack” to great-grandsons, Ryan and Eric.  Also survived by sisters, Darlene Wozniak and Barbara Roberts; brother, Dave (Jean) Bracken; brother in law, Desmond Warzel; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Jim was a retired coal miner and owner/operator of Bracken’s Garage and Auto Sales. Jim enjoyed working on cars and going to Auto Auctions. He also enjoyed hunting and was a Dale Earnhardt fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the Sunday lunches with his children and grandchildren. Jim will be sadly missed by his family. Friends will be received from 4:00 -7:00  p.m., Tuesday (masks encouraged) at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Nanty Glo, where funeral service will be 11:00  a.m. Wednesday, Pastor Rob Osborn, officiating.  Interment, Holy Family Cemetery, Colver. The family would like to express deepest thanks to the IRMC Cancer Center and The Visiting Angels for their compassionate care. We would also like to express a huge amount of gratitude to the community for their love, support and prayers during Jim’s illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Cambria Township Volunteer Fire Company, 31 Reese Ave, Colver, PA. 15927 or The American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left for the family at www.askew-houser.com