James Francis Braks

James Francis Braks of Ashburnham; 65 Ashburnham James Francis Braks, 65, died Monday, July 28, 2008 after succumbing to a massive heart attack during dialysis. James leaves his wife of 13 years Marcella (LeBlanc) Braks, his step children whom he loved as his own Douglas Haimila and his fiancé and her two children of Lowell, Robin Rameau of Ashburnham, Randy Haimila and his wife Jody of Gardner, two grandchildren Abbi Rameau of Ashburnham and Anthony Haimila of Gardner, one son Richard Braks of Gardner, one daughter Vicky Germano of Leominster, one sister Nancy (Braks) Venter of Tehachapi, CA, one brother-in-law Steve LeBlanc, several nieces and nephews, and his loyal companion Rudy. Jim is also predeceased by his parents and his older brother J. Richard Braks in 1960. Jim was born in Fitchburg on January 5, 1943 the youngest of three children to the late Urho Matti and Esther Mary (Kangas) Braks. Jim was a graduate of Oakmont Regional High School in 1961. He went to work for Simplex soon after graduation and spent his whole working career there holding various positions; he was an Engineer for the Fire Alarm Division for many years, prior to his retirement after 38 years in 2002. He was also a volunteer fireman and Deputy Chief in South Ashburnham. Jim had made many friends during his life and was a long time resident of South Ashburnham. He battled with juvenile diabetes from the age of 18 and dealt with many of the complications of the disease in recent years. Jim was also a life member of the American Legion Post 142 in Ashburnham, and a Life Member of the Turnpike Rod and Gun Club. Jim loved to travel and also loved to spend time with friends and family. BRAKS Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 4:00 P.M. in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, (www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhome.net), 123 Main Street, Westminster, MA 01473. Calling Hours will be prior to the Funeral Services on Saturday from 2:00-4:00 P.M. in the Funeral Home. Following the Funeral the Family will receive family and friends for at buffet at the Turnpike Rod and Gun Club, Corey Hill Road, Ashburnham, MA. Burial will be on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. in the Woodside Cemetery, 9 Narrows Road, Westminster, MA 01473. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made in Jim's Name to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, #501, Boston, MA 02210.