Jim Wragg, 84

James Edward Wragg, age 84, of Centreville, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Skagg’s Assisted Living in Burr Oak after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Jim was born in Paw Paw on November 19, 1936, a son of Merrill and Kathryn (Cummings) Wragg.  He graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1955 and went on to receive his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Western Michigan University in Speech Pathology and Special Education.

Jim bravely served in the 101st Airborne Army as a paratrooper with the ‘Screaming Eagles’.  After his service in the Army, he worked as a speech therapist for Three Rivers Public Schools in the mid 60’s.  He then moved to Largo, FL and started a special education program in Pinellas County, Florida, before returning home to Michigan and joining the St. Joseph County ISD in the early 70’s.  He was a Special Education Supervisor for the ISD until he retired. After his retirement, he continued to serve the ISD by doing the pupil accounting for several years and also by serving as the interim principal at Pathfinder Center.

On August 29, 1980, he married Patricia Fair in Sturgis.  Together, they attended St. Clare Catholic Church in Centreville.  He enjoyed playing croquet, and even had a professional court installed in his backyard.  Jim was a lifetime member of the Centreville Lion’s Club, loved taking care of his yard, photography, and traveling around the country with Pat in their motorhome.  Jim was very dedicated to his family and you could always find him supporting his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their many sporting events over the years.

Surviving are his wife Pat Wragg of Centreville; children Kathy (Doug) Bingaman of Three Rivers, Jean (Steve) Zarza of Sturgis, Lori (Steve) Barczak of Three Rivers, Tom (Stephanie) McNamara of Portage, and Matt (Michelle) McNamara of Centreville; grandchildren Jason (JayCe) Bingaman, Jeff (Brooke) Bingaman, Jennifer (Pat) Hoelscher, Jade (Ryan) Johnson, Alex (Sarah) Milliman, Tommy McNamara, Zachary Milliman, Coleman Zarza, Jacob Milliman, Shawn McNamara, Gavin McNamara, Bradley McNamara, Samuel LaValle, Abby McNamara, Sy Taylor, and Titus Taylor; and 10 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard Wragg.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.  Relatives and friends will be received on Thursday, September 30 from 4 to 7 PM at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville.  A Prayer Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, October 1 at 4 PM at St. Clare Catholic Church in Centreville with Deacon Dennis Cristofaro officiating.  A private interment of ashes will occur at a later date in Toby Cemetery in Burr Oak.

Memorial contributions can be given in Jim’s honor to the Centreville Lion’s Club or to the Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan.  Please visit www.eleyfuneralhomes.com to sign Jim’s online guestbook or to leave a message for the family.