James Braga

OBITUARY: (MIDDLEBORO) James O. Braga, aged 61 years, lifelong resident of Middleboro, taken suddenly from our lives on March 9, 2013. A man with no enemies. Born and raised in Middleboro, May 3, 1951, he was the son of the late Maurice S. and Aurora A. (Chartier) Braga. He was the loving husband of Carrie M. (Mosley) Braga of 42 years. Jim adored the people and businesses of the town of Middleborough, and the town has returned that love with its support. Jim was an eternal optimist and judged no one. He was an honest business man, an incredible athlete, an irresistible charmer, and had a smile that would melt women's hearts. Like a true leader, Jim made the people around him inspire to be better. It made no difference if he was on the field coaching, in the classroom, working with his business, running the D.E.C.A. program, or building your house. Jim is leaving a proud legacy with his three sons, and especially with his two grandsons, with whom he was in so much admiration of. He loved telling stories about them and how exciting it was to watch them grow into incredibly young men. He rarely missed a game that any of us played, and was unrelenting in making sure we played harder than the rest, and fairer than the most. He taught us life lessons; including finishing what we started and that being part of the team had to be something greater than ourselves. He was a retired teacher from Middleborough High School, where he taught business and had coached the boys' varsity soccer team. He was an avid golfer, enjoying his annual trips to New Hampshire. Jim's true passion was his family and teaching. Jim never thought of teaching as work, but truly enjoyed the art of teaching and connecting with his students on a personal level. He devoted his life to helping the children in the town of Middleborough. After retirement, he continued in his work as a mortgage consultant, in which he ran for many years. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Jim is survived by his wife, Carrie of 42 years, three sons, Keith and his wife Tara Braga, Jonathan and his wife Danielle Braga, and James Braga, all of Middleboro, his adored grandchildren, Zachary MacAulay and Cody Braga, both of Middleboro, one brother, Joseph and his wife Linda Braga of Plainville, one sister, Gail and her husband John Rivenburg of New York, mother-in-law, Mary L. Mosley of Middleboro, several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was brother of the late John and Jay Braga. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 15th from 2-9 pm in the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St Middleboro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 12:30 pm at Sacred Heart Church, 340 Centre St Middleboro. Be advised there will be no gathering at the funeral home prior to service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Coach Jim Braga, to: MASBA, Middleborough All Sports Booster Association, 71 East Grove St. Middleboro, MA 02346, would be greatly appreciated.