He was born in Augusta on March 20, 1924, the son of Frederick and Inez (Stimpson) Bragg.
James was educated in Augusta area schools and joined the Army Air Force on May 22, 1942, and received his basic training at Tyndall Field in Florida. He served in WWII as an aerial gunner for 42 months, including 38 months overseas.
He was married to Lauretta Arlene Shepherd for over 60 years. They had three children Barbara, Pamela and James. After serving in the Army Air Force, he started his 40 year career working for Central Maine Power in Augusta and later transferred to the Brunswick facility.
For many years James and Lauretta vacationed at the Bragg Family Camp in Kokadjo, ME. He enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting and fishing, all with his many grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Lauretta in 2006; a brother Joseph Bragg and a sister Frances Snow.
He is survived by a son James B. Bragg and his wife Gayle of Georgetown; two daughters, Barbara M. Hart and her husband Jack of Kokadjo and Pamela J. Solow and her husband Joel of Woolwich; 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; also many nieces and nephews.
Visiting will be held on Thursday, June 8, from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta, where a celebration of James life will be held on Friday at 11:30. Burial will be in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta at 12-noon on Monday, June 19.
There will be a gathering of family at friends directly following the service at Maple Hill Farm and Inn, 11 Inn Road, Hallowell. All are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Veterans Home Activities Fund, 310 Cony Road, Augusta 04330.
Condolences, memories, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less