James Bragg

James Okey Bragg, 79, of Forest Hill, WV, passed away at home on February 21, 2022 after a long illness. He was born March 1, 1942.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Pearl and Stella Mae Cales Bragg, one brother, Ronald Bragg, and one granddaughter, Brandi Cooper.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Jo “Jodi” Bragg, son, Dennis “DK” Bragg of Talcott, daughters Venus James of Florida, Amy Mutter and husband Jaret of Roanoke, VA, and stepdaughter, Cheryl Lowry Kula and husband Ted of Hinton, WV, five granddaughters, Kayla Mutter, Alex Mutter, Jayden Bragg, Lieschen Kula, and Lillian Kula, and two brothers, Edward Bragg of Hinton, WV and Dale Bragg and wife Wanda of Dayton, OH, and sister, Gloria Matheny of Florida.

He was born on Chestnut Mountain and grew up in Hinton, WV but also spent precious formative years with his Uncle Carl and Aunt Geneva Bragg in West Milton, Ohio, where he was supported in his love of playing baseball but was encouraged to learn to play the trumpet.

He was a veteran of Vietnam, serving in the 101st Airborne Division, Screaming Eagles, and the 82nd Airborne leading the brass band, completed the U.S. Navy School of Music, and was a Bronze Star recipient. He was an engineer for CSX Corporation for 25 years. He loved all musical instruments, and it was not unusual to find him relaxing by tuning a guitar, strumming a banjo, or playing a trumpet.

Services will be held at Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlor on February 26 with visitation from 1pm to 2pm and services at 2pm with burial immediately following at the Upland Cemetery with Pastor Benny Allen officiating.

Pallbearers will be Jaret Mutter, Bobbie Cales, Doug Cales, John Bragg, Edwin Bragg, and Ted Kula.