WANT TO HELP HIS FAMILY?
I’ve been asked by numerous people if the family of Jimmy Gracey has a GoFundMe set up, which they don’t. But a different donation has been set up for them! I’ll put the link in the comments if you want to contribute. This is what it says:
“In Loving Memory of Jimmy Gracey
We are heartbroken to share the sudden and tragic loss of Jimmy Gracey, a beloved son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend.
Jimmy was a light, vibrant, kind, and full of life person. He showed up for people, always making others feel seen and valued. He loved his family deeply, was a loyal friend and teammate, and was admired for his faith, love of Jesus and the way he carried himself.
His parents would like to offer some insight into who Jimmy really was. A shining example of his character was reflected during a hockey game when Jimmy was about 10 years old. He liked hockey. He LOVED competition. And he REALLY LOVED winning. At that age, he had a rocket of a shot. He was in a tight game. He had the puck. He wound up and let it fly. No one ever stopped his shots…except this time. Instead of getting angry and slamming his stick on the ice, he skated over to the opposing goalie and gave him a fist bump. An “atta boy” for stopping a missile. The ultimate sign of hockey respect. Jimmy knew he was beaten and respected the heck out of the other goalie for doing it…at ten years old when a temper tantrum still would have been accepted. Then, he went home and practiced his shot.
His passing has left a deep ache in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. The outpouring of support during the search for Jimmy was a testament to the impact he had on so many lives. Now, as that search ends and the grieving begins, we want to surround his family with that same love and support.
As his mother tries to make sense of this unimaginable loss, she remembers the power of Jimmy’s hug: He had the longest arms. So much longer than normal. She had to buy him custom suits because he had arms like a gorilla. When he used those arms to hug you, he pulled you into his soul. The only thing that brings her peace is to think that in that final moment, God Himself knew he needed a Jimmy hug. God needed to feel his love so he took him from us.
We created this page to help ease the burden during this unimaginable time. We humbly ask that, as you consider a gift, you first offer a prayer for the repose of Jimmy’s soul and for the strength of his family. Your spiritual intercession is the greatest comfort we can receive as we entrust him to the infinite mercy of God. We thank you for joining your heart to ours in this act of faith. Donations will go toward funeral, memorial, and other expenses related to Jimmy’s loss. Any additional funds will support a scholarship, memorial in his name, and/or any such other charitable endeavor that will ensure his legacy continues to inspire others. For others looking to help, please consider sharing this page.
Thank you for your light and for walking with us.
Roll Tide
AMDG (For the Greater Glory of God)”

Brother of Student Killed in What Police Believe Was an Accident Says He’d ‘Do Anything to Have Just One More Conversation’

“I will do my best to pass on your legacy,” Jimmy Gracey’s younger brother wrote in an emotional Instagram post

James "Jimmy" Gracey
James “Jimmy” Gracey, who was found dead on March 19.Credit : In Memory of Jimmy Gracey/Facebook

NEED TO KNOW

  • The younger brother of Jimmy Gracey, the college student who was found dead in Spain while on spring break, paid tribute to his sibling on Instagram
  • The University of Alabama student’s body was pulled from the water off of Somorrostro beach in Barcelona on March 19
  • “I will do my best to pass on your legacy,” Tommy wrote in a statement alongside images of him and his brother

The brother of James “Jimmy” Gracey, the missing college student who was found dead in Spain while on spring break earlier this month, is speaking out.

Authorities said the body of the 20-year-old University of Alabama student was pulled from the water off of Somorrostro beach in Barcelona on Thursday, March 19, two days after he was reported missing.

According to his family, Gracey vanished after a night out with friends during spring break, and security camera footage showed him alone and walking toward docks before he fell into the water, according to El País.

Although police are still awaiting the final autopsy and toxicology report, a spokesperson previously told PEOPLE that everything “points to James Gracey having suffered an accidental death.”

In an Instagram post shared on Friday, March 19, Jimmy’s brother, Tommy Gracey, paid tribute to his “beautiful big brother,” who “always tried to put a smile on everyone’s face.”

“I don’t know what to say or how to deal with this. I can’t believe it,” Tommy wrote. “I’m gonna miss all the texts and calls about hockey, school, and life in general. I’m not ready to say goodbye to that. All the random inside jokes and mom would have no idea what we were talking about.”

Jimmy was a former student at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, according to CBS affiliate WBBM-TV. In his post, Tommy said his brother helped him fall in love with their hockey program — and said he smiled every time he received a text message, phone call or notification from his older brother.

As the tribute continued, Tommy said he’s not sure “how to get through this” tragedy.

“Your courage for all of us was inspiring,” he wrote, adding, “I can’t say goodbye yet. I would do anything to have just one more conversation with you.”

“I just can’t believe that’s all over,” he concluded. “I will do my best to pass on your legacy. What a ride dude. I can’t wait to see you again in eternal paradise. I love you and fly high, Jimmy.”

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In a separate statement, which was previously obtained by PEOPLE, Jimmy’s family said they were “heartbroken” by the news of his death.

“Our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss,” they wrote. “We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world – so many helped to share Jimmy’s story and bring his life to light so that others may know him.”

James Gracey
James “Jimmy” Gracey, who was found dead on March 19.In Memory of Jimmy Gracey/Facebook

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His family went on to say they “sincerely appreciate the continued support and coordination of the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate as we work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”

“As we navigate this painful time,” they continued, “we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process his loss as a family.”