James A. "Jim" Braga

Jim Braga was an extraordinary man. But then that should have come as no surprise to those who saw him fight his way back from polio as a young boy. That grit took him to the football fields of St. Vincent’s and on to serve as a proud Marine. Not one to stop at just one career he went on to continue his skills in the kitchen at the Old Adobe Room while starting his own catering company, James Braga Catering. The next 25 years would find him busy with weddings, parties and corporate functions on the weekends and shifting from restaurant work to become a leading salesman for Frozen Fresh/Buchanan Food Services, a career that would span 42 years. All the while he treated his wife and two daughters to great adventures of their own…vacations and camping trips, cruises and houseboats…always with a story to tell. Hosting countless gatherings around his immense dining room table for family and friends. He went on to trade his catering shingle for a chance to serve his community and A Christmas for Kids was born. Jim always said that because he could cook he could also raise money so he took that thought, assembled friends and family to help and went on to nurture his own non-profit to ensure that local kids would always receive a visit from Santa. And he did that for the next 25 years, and thousands of presents later it lives on.

Yet his most rewarding role was one as Pa to his three precious grandkids. Truly the highlite of his life was gathering them on his few acres at home, at the family cabin at the river, on camping vacations or sharing time at Ridge Ranch, the deer club his grandson Ben would also call his most favorite place.

His partner thru all of this was his loving wife Nancy, their goal, he always said was to work hard while they were young so they didn’t need to when they were old. So retirement eventually brought them the luxury of more time together…but not nearly enough.

Jim’s life was cut short at just 75 years. He leaves a grieving family along with wife Nancy, daughters and sons-in-law Jennifer and Ronnie Cromwell and Erin and Dan Parker. And those precious grandkids, Ben and Lily Cromwell and Quinn Parker. Beyond that so many family members who may not have all been linked thru relations but who all were bonded thru the heart.

We will gather in Celebration of Jim’s life on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 11:00 am at 33 Melinda Lane, Petaluma. Parking is limited so carpool if you can. For those who wish to honor Jim’s life with a donation they can be made to A Christmas for Kids, 33 Melinda Lane, Petaluma CA 94952. Life is precious…spread the Love.

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Celebration of Life

Saturday, July 30, 2022

11:00 AM

Brage Family Home