James A. Bray

James “Jim” A. Bray, 80, of Palmer was called safely home on Friday December 16, 2022. Jim grew up in Granby, MA and was a graduate of South Hadley High School (1960). He was born to the late Robert L. and Joyce G.M. (Newcomb) Bray and was one of 8 children. Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen M. (Nutting) Bray, and they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary shortly before her untimely death in 2015. Jim and Kathleen moved to Palmer where they raised their 5 children. As a young man, Jim joined the Air Force and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. After his years of service, he was honorably discharged and worked several places as an auto mechanic. He was very talented, with a good work ethic, and could fix most anything. Always wanting to support his family to the best of his ability, Jim again joined the Air Force, this time in the capacity of a reserve/civilian at Westover Air Reserve Base. He served during the Gulf War. He worked at Westover as an aircraft mechanic, at the rank of Tech Sgt. E6, until his retirement. Most important to Jim was God and family. He was a decades long member of The New Birth Christian Church in Thorndike. While attending there, he used his gifted musical abilities to play the piano, organ and violin. Jim was also a nature lover and enjoyed gardening, fishing and hiking during his younger years. Jim is survived by his 5 children: Jaimie L. Lazarick (Bondsville), Jody L. Cusson (Granby), Martin A. Bray and wife Olivia (Palmer), Lisa M. Bray (Dalton) and William S. Bray and wife Heather (Palmer). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who knew him as “Papa", as well as many nieces and nephews and an aunt. His siblings Joyce, Sheila, Jonathan, Diane and Jeffery also survive him. Besides his parents and wife Kathleen, Jim was also predeceased by his brothers Robert II and Richard, as well as son-in-laws Jeffrey Lazarick (1999) and Anthony Cusson (2015).

A Celebration of Life/Funeral will be held on Wednesday December 21st at 10am at The New Birth Christian Church located in Thorndike, MA (directly across from the Thorndike Post Office), followed by a graveside service with Military Honors in West Cemetery on West Street in Granby, MA. Wilbraham Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements( www.wilbrahamfuneralhome.com ). Gathering to follow at the American Legion Post #266 at 74 Pleasant Street, Granby, MA.

In lieu of flowers, Jim has requested that any donations please be made to The New Birth Christian Church, 4025 Church Street, Palmer. MA 01069.