A True Man of God
Psalm 139:13 -- For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
Dr. Jarvis Dwight Bracy, Sr. was born November 13, 1959, in Kissimmee, Florida, the third child and only
son of Walter “Doc” and Dorothy “Dot” Bracy. Growing up in a house with seven sisters, Jarvis spent a
lot of time helping his father with outdoor chores and often remarked that he learned the value of hard
work from spending that time with his father. His was a large family, as his father also had six more sons
and one more daughter.
Jarvis was an outgoing youth with a playful spirit, often saying “I just like to have fun!” and taking
pleasure in making others laugh. He was athletic as a boy, participating in baseball, football, and
basketball. He also loved being on the water and fishing, a hobby that would carry through his lifetime.
He was also an excellent student and often recognized for his academic and extracurricular
achievements, including being selected to attend the Boys State program in Tallahassee. He graduated
from Osceola High School in 1977.
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Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Jarvis appreciated the value of a good education and exemplified that as he earned his own Bachelors,
Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Theology / Ministry. A voracious student, he regularly sought out and
attended Continuing Education classes, conferences, and workshops, determined to keep learning and
growing in his knowledge of Christ.
In conjunction with his educational pursuits, Jarvis was a diligent worker and enjoyed the fruit of his
labors at his selected occupations. During his working years, he was employed by Gatorade, BellSouth,
the United States Post Office, and the Jacksonville Electrical Authority (JEA), from which he retired in
2019 to devote himself to ministry fulltime.
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1 Corinthians 13:13 -- And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
On June 6, 1992, Rev. Bracy married the love of his life, Vanessa James. The pair remained devoted to
each other throughout their years together and recently celebrated their 30 th anniversary.
Rev. Bracy deeply valued his relationship with his beautiful wife and with their children, twins Arielle and
Aaron, and his son Jarvis Jr. “JD.”
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Jeremiah 1:5 -- Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.
Jarvis embraced The Gospel from an early age, professing a hope in Jesus Christ when he was only 6
years old and growing in Christianity as a member of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church of
Kissimmee.
In June 2004, Rev. Bracy accepted the position of Pastor of the Greater Friendly Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He showed himself to be a dynamic and caring leader with a passion for teaching and leading others into a greater knowledge and understanding of the Bible. His generosity, friendliness, and humor endeared him to his members and established his reputation in Jacksonville as a sincere, called, and God-led undershepherd.
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John 16:22 -- Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
On Friday, June 17, 2022, God welcomed Jarvis into the peace and beauty of Eternal Glory. Jarvis is now reunited with loved ones who preceded in death, including his parents, brothers Bobby Bracy and Dave Bracy Sr., father-in-law Charlie James, and brother-in-law Jason James.
Missing his presence but rejoicing in his ascension and looking forward to their day of reunion are his faithful wife, Vanessa; children, JD, Aaron and Arielle; and mother-in-law, Juanita Wills James. brothers, Larry Bracy, Linsey Bracy (Juanita), Ervin Bracy (Roxanne) Jeffery Cooper; sisters, Rolanda Bracy LeGreare (Jack), Cleo Ellis King (Leroy), Gail Bracy, Linda Bracy, Queen Bracy Woods (Michael), Tracy Bracy, Vicki Bracy, and Tara Bracy; and sister-in-law Lois Bracy; father in ministry, Rev. David A. Lattimore; son in ministry, Rev. James Warrick; fishing buddy and confidante, Mr. Hubert Cox; and a host of sorrowing relatives and personal friends.
A visitation for Jarvis will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Greater Friendly Missionary Baptist Church, 1721 W 19th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209.
A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Mt Ararat Baptist Church, 2503 Myrtle Avenue North, Jacksonville, FL 32209.
A committal service will occur at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Bracy family.
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