JAMES WESLEY BRATCHER, JR., 50, of Crisfield and formerly of Fordsville, Kentucky, went to be with his Lord on Monday, April 26, 2010 at McCready Memorial Hospital in Crisfield.

Born in Crisfield April 29, 1959, he was a son of the late Linda English and James Wesley Bratcher, Sr. He made his home in Kentucky for 14 years, and moved back to Crisfield in 2003.

Wesley was a talented waterfowl carver who participated in many shows and competitions including the World Show in Ocean City and the Chesapeake Challenge in Salisbury. He loved fishing and turkey hunting and was a member of the Turkey Federation.

He was a member of New Covenant Tabernacle in Fordsville, Kentucky, and attended the Crisfield Wesleyan Church and Eastern Shore Evangelistic Church in Marion Station. Wesley was gifted singer, and enjoyed ministering in song at numerous churches throughout the area.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 28 years, Lori Leach Bratcher of Crisfield; two brothers, Jeff Bratcher and his wife Laura of Mississippi and David Marshall Bratcher of Morgantown, Kentucky; his nephew and nieces, Jacob Bratcher, Emily Bratcher and Lindsey Bratcher; his aunts and uncles, Helen and Reggie Wilson of Crisfield, Shirley and Edgar Hoops of Centertown, Kentucky, and Gene Tyler of Crisfield; his mother and father-in-law, James and Mary Jane Leach of Hartford, Kentucky; and many other cherished family members who loved him dearly.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 7-9 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. Funeral services and interment will follow this weekend in Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Wes are requested to be sent to a charity of your choice.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com