Obituary of James Albert Bragg, Jr.

James Albert Bragg Jr. (Jim) (58) of Columbia, SC passed away in the hospital on Friday, May 5, 2023, after a brief illness. Jim was born September 6, 1964, in Wheeling, WV, son of Bonalea Bragg and the late James Albert Bragg Sr and lived in Martins Ferry, OH as a child. He graduated from Martins Ferry High School in 1983, For much of his time there, he was lucky enough to do well without studying, a lack of which skill caught up with him when, whilst at Bowling Green State University, studying computer science, he discovered (in his words) beer and girls. He left after two years without gaining a degree. Undeterred by this, he joined the Air Force and there he completed his training in computer programming that would see him through his career at Alltel and then later after the joys of Y2K frenzy, to Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, which is where he brought his growing family to live. It was to Columbia, he brought his British bride in 2016, where they would make a truly happy home together.

During his life, Jim was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Jim was generous of his time, expertise, and opinions and happy to share them all. His passions besides his family, were supporting the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Los Angeles Dodgers, computers, Dungeons and Dragons, war gaming, and 3-D printing. His enthusiasm and generosity will be greatly missed. He is cherished by his family and his love will live on through them. Jim leaves behind his mother, Bonalea, his wife, Lorraine, his children, Charlie, Bethany, James, Joseph, Noah and Naomi, Sister, Kimalea West, and brother-in-law, Darick West, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Jim is being cremated privately following his wishes, and his family welcomes all to celebrate his life at the Calvary Chapel Northeast (577 W. Killian Rd, Columbia, SC 29203) on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 2:00pm. (See https://www.ccnortheast.org) His family would like to thank the staff at MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center, Downtown for their dedicated, kind, and sensitive care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the MUSC Foundation or a charity of your choice in Jim’s memory.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.