James Floyd Bracken

James Floyd Bracken, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away on September 27, 2026, in Lake Wales. He was born on April 2, 1939, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and lived a long life marked by devotion to his family, steady work, and the simple joys that meant the most to him.

Mr. Bracken built a strong and lasting career in the citrus industry. He worked as a supervisor for Peace River Citrus and also worked at Citrus World for 50 years. Before retiring, he served for 10 years as a security guard at Citro Suco. His many years of work reflected commitment, dependability, and pride in a job well done.

Outside of work, James enjoyed the things that brought him happiness and peace. He loved wolves and was an avid golfer until the age of 81. Above all, he loved his grandchildren, and that love was a defining part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Bracken in 2021; as well as his parents, Ernest Leroy Bracken and Willie Juanita Brown.

James is survived by his children, Tammi Vaczi, Terri Pruitt and her husband Bernard of Babson Park, Florida, Tina Britt and her husband Rickey of Lake Wales, Florida, and Wesley Bracken and his wife Ann of Hendersonville, North Carolina. He is also survived by his sisters, Elaine Cleveland and her husband Frank of Brevard, North Carolina, Myra Shelton of Frostproof, Florida, and Linda Walker of Frostproof, Florida; and by his brother, Willford Bracken of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He leaves behind a family who will remember him with love and gratitude, and who will carry his memory forward in the days to come.

A funeral service will be held on October 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church (113 W Central Ave, Lake Wales, Florida 33853).

James Floyd Bracken will be remembered for his years of hard work, his love for family, and the quiet pleasures that filled his life. His memory will remain a lasting blessing to those who knew and loved him.