James Debraggio

JAMES DEBRAGGIO, 83

LAKE WALES - James A. Debraggio died on December 23 at home after a lengthy and well-fought battle with cancer.
Jim's life was defined by faith and family. On Aug. 2, 1958, he married the love of his life, Jeanne Seaman. They had six children, 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, nearly all of whom gathered on Christmas to remember his life, tell stories and celebrate his love for them.
Jim was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He attended Cardinal Hayes HS and Manhattan College, where he earned his electronics engineering degree in 1956, was a member of Phi Rho Pi, ran on the cross country and track teams, and was a member of several IC4A championship relay teams. He was a CYO track coach when the family lived in Hauppauge, NY.
After college, Jim was employed by the FAA and in private industry before working for the Department of the Navy in Mechanicsburg, PA, Norfolk, VA, and Charleston, SC. He retired in 1998 and then moved to Bonita Springs, FL, before settling in Lake Wales, FL, where he enjoyed playing cards and golf.
Selfless and fiercely independent, it seemed there wasn't anything he could not repair, or at least attempt to fix. He especially loved sports cars and working on them, and his work as a basketball official when the family lived in Pennsylvania. He was a lifelong Yankees fan.
Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus and throughout his life he served as a lector, usher and Eucharistic Minister for the parishes where he and Jeanne lived.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Jim is survived by his children: Mike (Anne McKeegan and their four children); Mara Anderson (Steve and their three children); Mary Lisa Millbourn (Barry and their two children); Dennis; Chris (Karen Frame and their three children); and Janice Swilley (Kevin and their son).
The family would like to thank the staff at Moffitt Cancer Center, Good Shepherd Hospice, and their many Lake Ashton friends who stopped by and offered encouragement. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Adult Clinic.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Matthews Catholic Church at 9am on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.