James Coleman (J.C.) Brackenridge

James Coleman (J.C.) Brackenridge, 77, of rural El Dorado Springs, the son of Maude Frances (Whitley) Brackenridge and Everett Nally Brackenridge, was born July 26, 1930, at his family home. He passed away at his home Sunday, May 31, 2008.

J.C. attended the Stoney Point School near Taberville, Mo. After graduation he worked on the family farm. He was a veteran of the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and served as a Corporal in the Third Tank Battalion Division as a tank instructor.

After returning home, he married Nova May Smith and to this union five children were born. They resided in El Dorado Springs and subsequently moved to Schell City in 1963. J.C. worked as a mechanic for Schell City Truck & Tractor, Beaty Implements and Peabody Mining, in Lacygne, Kan. After his retirement, J.C. retured to the homestead of his parents to raise cattle.

J.C. had many interests but in particular, he enjoyed photography. He took pictures of the places he traveled, family gatherings, wildlife, flood waters and all manner of social functions. He caputred the essence of the people he photographed whether they were going about their routine lives, celebrating events or attempting to ford flood waters. His keen eye has provided us these treasures, frozen in time, to enjoy for years to come.

During his retirement, J.C. took pleasure in living on the farm and spending time at local restaurants drinking coffee and taking meals with friends.

Preceded him in death were, two sons, Rickie Dean Brackenridge and Trent Lee Brackenridge, his parents and one nephew.

He is survived by three children, Archie Brackenridge and wife Sheila, of El Dorado Springs, Vicki McKinney, of Schell City, and Jalene Flint, of Schell City; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margie L. Jordan, of Denison, Iowa and Vivian N. Tremain, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; five nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Services were held Wednesday, June 4, at the Lewis Hoagland Funeral Home, in Schell City, with Doug Reynolds officiating. Interment under the direction of the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home was in Green Lawn Cemetery, in Schell City. Pallbearers were: Adam Brackenridge, Preston Flint, Chad Ijams, Aaron Law, Larry Dade and Jim Goodman.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Schell City Volunteer Fire Department.