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James Bracken Obituary
AGE: 77 • Runnemede
James D. Bracken "Jim", of Runnemede, NJ, age 77, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, after a two year battle with cancer. Born in Philadelphia, PA to Guy and Delores Bracken, Jim graduated from Florida State University after serving three years in the United States Army. Jim dedicated his life to serving God and helping others as the founder and director of Mission Teens, Inc., a non-profit Christian discipleship program and alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, with fifteen centers across the country. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jim was able to guide thousands of individuals to seek God as the answer to their problems and conquer their addiction. Jim is survived by his loving wife Isabel "Boydie"(nee Boyd), his three children and their spouses, Debbie Pelullo (Larry), Michael Bracken (Susie) and Linda Drexel (John), his grandchildren Amy Amorosia, Mary Pelullo, Michael, Lisa and Mark Bracken and Jared and Jadyn Drexel, his sister Dee Miller and her three children Bill, Patty and Nancy and their children and grandchildren.
There will be a viewing from 5 to 8pm Monday eve at Lambs Road Assembly, 190 Lambs Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 with a service immediately following. Interment private. Family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in Jim's memory to Mission Teens, Inc., P.O. Box 131, Glendora, NJ 08029. Family and friends may share memories at www.GardnerFuneralHome.com.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Bracken
Patty
June 9, 2023
I still miss him everyday! If the Lord let´s him look down from heaven I know he would be so blessed to see how his family, the mission and his mission family are doing
Trish Hennessey
January 27, 2020
The death of Kobe Bryant brought back a flood of memories. Jimmy Bracken came to mind - so I searched the net and found this. My former husband and I used to attend meetings at Jimmy and Boydie's house in New Jersey. They meant so much to us - so long ago. My prayer is that this very kind and loving man's family is at peace. Jimmy brought a LOT of peace to many. One of the most amazing people that I've ever met. God bless his precious memory.
Matthew Iannacone
June 8, 2019
May his memory be a blessing
Ruth Benton
July 4, 2013
This precious man of God touched my heart when I first met him at a Women's Aglow meeting many years ago. I was praying that God would heal him this side of glory - but he is now healed forever!
My heartfelt condolences to Boydie, family and staff.
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Melissa Shoemake
July 17, 2012
Thank you for your Obediance to the Lord..the ministry God began through you saved my life..and many many others. See you later Mr. Bracken!
June 26, 2012
Jim had a plan for his life ..and it was fulfilled..I knew him years ago and spent some time at mission teens...I wasn;t ready to surrender my life then..But the Lord never gave up on me and here I am saved by His grace and mercy...God bless Jim's family...Jim Kelly PS anyone heard from Timmy Bortner ? And hello to Victor & Chici
Greg Karn
June 22, 2012
God bless your family. My involvement with the ministry began on Oct 13th, 2010, when a very much loved family member decided to change his life. I cannot tell you the absolute respect that I have for what Pastor Bracken has done for by seeing this vision for Mission Teens. I can now say that this ministry is in the business of rescuing lives, and souls. May God watch over your bride for the time that she will be here alone. God bless James Bracken.
Nick Salerno
June 19, 2012
I didnt know Jim personally,but my nephew was at mission teens a few times and it really helped him through his hard times. He must of been a great man ,, my condolences to family and friends.
June 18, 2012
Love you Jim! You saved my life. I love you Boydie, and send my condolences.
Ed and Janet Santilli
June 18, 2012
Dear Boydie and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss, yet we so gratefully praise God for Jim his faithfulness to continuously spread the Gospel and for his genuine love and care for so very many, especially to Ed and I. Brother, you have run the race, fought the good fight and now have been rescued and called home to be with your Saviour for whom you have worked so hard. Enjoy your rewards for you have earned them! You will be missed!
Gina Garber
June 18, 2012
Boydie & Family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jim was like a father to my best friend, Patty Rowley, so I know he was an incredible man. God bless all of you - he is singing with the angels now and looking down upon you.
Gina Fiorillo
Levering Family
June 17, 2012
Boydie & Family
Our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one! Mr Bracken was a wonderful and caring man who helped so many people through their difficult times. He will be missed by many people! Our prayers are with you as you do through this difficult time!
Ken Williams
June 17, 2012
Mr. Bracken was a man of god who started a program 43 years ago, that truly has saved my life, and countless other individuals as well. He will be greatly missed by all for many years to come.
June 17, 2012
To the family of Reverend "Popa" Jim Bracken we lovingly remember some last shared words, "For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." And now he awaits us, so we can all crown Jesus as our Lord of Lords and King of Kings! To have been given such an important charge to keep. And he did just that!!!!So we honor the memory of your loved one, who is also our loved one,who lived a life totally committed to the Kingdom of God,who remained steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Grace & Peace be unto you. You are in our prayers. Love Elder Otis Williams & Minister Deborah Daniels
Jim 2007
Joel & Jeanne Justiss
June 17, 2012
Boydie and family,
I know you miss Jim already, and will miss him greatly in the future.
This picture is from the 2007 retreat in Monteagle, Tennessee. That is the smile I remember.
May you find great comfort in your many memories of that generous, warm-hearted man.
Mary Cumens
June 16, 2012
We know Jim has passed into glory and is with the Father - for that we rejoice; but he will be missed by the many people he helped overcome bondage and live for the Lord. We must make sure to be faithful to take his teachings and his program to the next generation. They are the ones that will miss out on knowing such an awesome man of God. All we have today can be attributed to Jim Bracken allowing us the privilege of ministering at his Portland Center. Our thoughts and prayers are with Boydie and the family. God Bless Gary and Mary Ann Cumens - Portland OR
Lori Mears
June 16, 2012
An amazing servant of God's love has been called home and I offer the immediate family my deepest condolences. Mr. Bracken's obedience to the Lord established a ministry that impacts lives daily and I can't thank the Lord enough for all that the Mission Teens has done for my family. God bless and keep the Bracken family as they go through this time of separation.
Cecilia Aberle
June 15, 2012
I had the pleasure and blessing to have met Mr. Bracken and his wife through Mission Teens which put upon me a love for the Lord and His power of healing. Mr. Bracken's work was of the utmost importance and I believe God will find a way to continue the program. Thank you Mr. Bracken and Mission Teens. My deepest sympathy goes out to you Mrs. Bracken. May God bless and keep you in this time of your loss.
Michael Marchese
June 15, 2012
Linda, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad sounded like a very special person. Our prayers are with you and your family.
June 15, 2012
I will never forget ever nearly 42 years ago the day that I met Jim,and my beloved brother Andy Golmitz,and then my husband Clyde and myself saw what God did threw this wonderful man and his beloved wife,beide his every mirale,it has been a wonderful truly wonerful,joy to see what the Lord has done.I know Jim heard all of heaven sing to him well done my faithful servant.Love Jacki Suggs and family,Pennsauken N.J.
Shawn Strouss
June 15, 2012
Jim you were an amazing man of God! Your love and obedience to the King of Glory Jesus Christ touched thousands. Robert and I are overwhelmed with a mixture of sadness and joy. Boydie please know that you and yours are in our prayers!
June 15, 2012
Dear Boydie ,Lynda,Michel and Debbie
So sorry about your loss,Iwant to thank
All of you for supporting Jim in his work for the Lord ,it has not always been easy but my life was touched any many ways through dedicated service if only I could be just a little like him to others and live my days out like his ,I would be so thankful to God
There have been many lives in these 3rd world countries that have been touched for Jesus because of your husband ,friend and father our love and prayers are with u all at this time may God comfort each one of you.Love Victor & Chici
June 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have to thank Mr Bracken for helping my brother some 40 yrs ago. He saved so many lost people and I know he will be greatly rewarded in Gods grace...
June 15, 2012
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all,Bro. Bracken will be missed very much Love and Prayers Pastor Paige & Judy
Cara Dantonio-Nolan
June 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you all... Especially Boydie!!! I just want to thank Jim & Boydie for starting the mission and saving my life and so many others !!!!! The Lord is a strong tower the righteous run to it and are safe!! Xo
June 15, 2012
i WOULD LIKE TO THANK GOD FOR THE AWESOME MAN THAT WAS OBIDENT TO THE LORDS DIRECTION THAT LITTERALLY SAVED THOUSAND OF SOULS.WITH OUT THIS MAN OF GOD I DO NOT KNOW WHERE MY LIFE WOULD BE TODAY. MAY YOU REST IN THE ARMS OF GOD WITH LOVE AND PEACE FOR ETERNITY, AND THANK U MR. BRACKEN IN MY HEART YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.. LOVE DEBBIE SCHOOLER
Becky Hogan
June 14, 2012
What an honor that your family will be able to carry for years to come. There are not words to describe how "Pastor Jim" as my 5 year old calls him, touched my life & our family...We love you Boydie & Family. Let us know if you need anything, it is the least we can do.
Matt & Ginny Iannacone
June 14, 2012
May Jim's memory be blessed.
June 14, 2012
Jim has already heard, Good and well done my faithful servant. . are thoughts and prayers are with Boydie and the Bracken family.
Pete T. Set Free MBTC
June 14, 2012
Thousands of us wouldn't be here if his family wasn't willing to share him with all of us. What a life of miracles I have had because of the honor I had to be part of Jim's life and vision all of these years. One of the greatest things I have ever been called was "Jim's armor bearer". He always knew how much I loved him. I hope all of you know I feel the same way about you. Here if you need anything. Patty
Linda Hofmann
June 14, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers or with you Boydie, He was a wonderful man with great faith. I am sure he is in a better place. Love , Linda Hofmann (MCA Travel)
Adam Stillman
June 14, 2012
James 1:12
I believe Jim be wearing that crown right now...with many added jewels.
Thanks for the influence you had on my parents...and me.
Cindy Lueb
June 14, 2012
Linda,
I'm sorry to hear about your father. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a parent and let them know that it is ok to go home to God. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Emily Tack
June 14, 2012
You finished the race, Bracken. How we all loved you so! Without your influence and uncompromising love, I would not have fervently sought the Kingdom. I can still hear your voice, and expect to see you again, one day.
You will be sorely missed, to say the least!
Barbara Palmer
June 14, 2012
My thoughts and prays are with you all.
June 14, 2012
Psalms 65:2
Deepest condolences during this difficult time.
June 14, 2012
Jim was the most spiritual and respected person we knew. He earned his place in heaven.
Love,
Grace & John Drexel
June 14, 2012
Boydie & children: My deepest sympathy to you. Jim was a very godly man; a man whose dedication to godly principles and living was blessed by God as his ministry expanded throughout the United States. Countless lives were changed through his ministry. I count it a great privilege to have had him as a friend and to have been of assistance to him for more than 40 years. May God comfort you during the coming days and years. God Bless! William Dilks
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