James J. Braddock - Guestbook

Welcome to the official guestbook of the James J Braddock website. Due to spam, we have been forced stop guestbook entries.

Just saw the sneak preview of a great love story. James Braddock's love for his family and what is right was portrayed beautifully. Recommend this great movie to everyone.

Just saw a sneak preview of Cinerella Man that Ron Directed here in Toronto. Most of the seens shot were at the old Distillery District east of the CN Tower, they say the 40 plus buildings there are the best preserved Victorian industrial architecture in North America. Taking a walk down and thru these buildings really takes you back to that place and time! This movie is one of the greatest movies ever made. It was such a joy to watch and experience a life that inspires you.

Scott Littlejohn

WOW.... the movie was so very special... didn't know a thing about Mr. James Braddock, now I know that my husband isn't the only hero out there! Just loved the movie.

My husband and I saw the movie tonight at a sneak preview. Although I will never be a boxing fan, I LOVED this movie. James Braddock was a remarkable man and his story is one of hope for the underdog as well as a testament to the good things in human nature.

We get caught up in our own little problems today which pale in comparison to what people like James Braddock confronted during the Depression. This was a great film about a real person who loved his family above everything else. A lesson we all need to remember in our busy lives. God Bless!

I`m looking forward to the movie because boxing is a favorite sport of my and what I have seen of the trailers it looks very impressive about a man trying to keep him and his family alive from poverty . Can`t wait to see the whole movie .

I too also got to see Cinderella Man tonight on the sneak preview. My wife and I were just amazed at the incredible story and a real testament to the life of James J. Braddock. God Bless!!

James J. Braddock defines the term "Fighter". A true Champion for the ages... never give up!

I just got back from seeing the movie. This is absolutly one of the most inspiring stories I have ever witnessed. I come from a blue collor neighborhood where boxing is still a staple today. Not only does this story speak wonders for that incredible depression era generation so few remember today. This movie shows how wonderful the sport of Boxing truely is. I walked away with with such great appreciation for my grand parents and their parents as well. Jim Braddock was an extrordinary man.

God Bless !!

JUST SAW THE FILM, WAS AN HONOR LEARNING THE COURAGE OF THIS MAN, AND AM PROUD HE IS FROM NJ.. THIS FILM, THIS MAN, AND HIS FAMILY IS AN INSPIRATION TO ANY AMERICAN, THANK YOU RON HOWARD FOR GIVING US HIS STORY, AND THANK YOU BRADDOCK FAMILY....

Just got back from a special "sneak peak" at this fantastic movie. Congrats to all involved -- a stunning film and story -- best wishes to the Braddock Family -- you all should be incredibly proud.
Blessings to all,
Nancy T-H

Saw the film this evening and Ron Howard shows his genius in capturimg
the spirit of Mr. Braddock. I do hope that was the way he was when hewas on this earth. Being a man's man was never more impressive than portrayed by Russell Crowe. Mrs. Chesney wasn't bad either.

JUST RETURNED FROM THE FANTASTIC MOVIE, CINDERELLA MAN. I WAS BORN (1966)IN BERGEN CO. AND NEVER HEARD OF JIM. WHAT A TERRIFIC STORY , I WHISPERED TO MY SISTER- IN- LAW DURING THE DEPRESSION SCENE, AND WE THINK WE HAVE PROBLEMS. EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS MOVIE TO APPRECIATE ALL THEY HAVE. I ALWAYS LOVED THE NAME JAMES . I GAVE IT TO MY 2ND SON ,NOW HE CAN LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER TERRIFIC JIMMY. I THANK THE FAMILY FOR LETTING THE STORY BE TOLD. GOD BLESS.

After viewing "The Cinderella Man" this evening I just wanted to comment on what an honorable man James Braddock was. What, with all the people cheating the welfare system these days, he actually PAID BACK what little help the government gave him!! What a great man he must have been!

Just a respectful fan.. enjoyed this
website. Steven Bowers

James J. Braddock has been a hero of mine for the best part of my 72 years of living . I was born in the Depression years and many of the Depression scenes in the movie brought to memory some of our own struggles. In
particular the one of Mrs Braddock tearing down a fence for use as firewood . Three of my mothers brothers shared our rented house with all helping to pay the rent of 12 dollars a month . We lived not far from the railroad yard and in late night the men would go to the railyard and climb onto the loaded coal card and throw the coal onto the ground . After the train left the yard we ,would all go ang gather up the treasure in my little wagon . My father also worked as a wharflinger at 35 cents a day . When war broke out my father , uncles and aunts enlisted in the armed forces . I spent a lot of time with my widowed grandfather and was schooled on James J. fighting career . My 4 x great grandmother was Hanna Elizabeth Braddock born in Stafford , England coming to Canada . I always thought that James J. was kin , however , after seeing the marvelous film story on his life and lifestyle , I'm claiming him as our own anyway . The movie excited me as it brought a host of memories to mind and I was fulfilled with a new adventure free from filth , dirt and smut . I am greatful to one and all for their presentation of this wonderful film depicting a beautiful human being ,
a role model for all . I have previously corresponded with some of Jame's family and I'm so proud that their dad was portraid so well . Kindest regards and best wishes to all Braddocks wherever they may be . dave Clark , Braddock Hill Farms Inc. Scotchfort , P. E. I. Canada

I am so happy to find this site. I heard many stories about Jimmy and especially Rosemary from my mother who was best friends with Rosemary, and my sisters Godmother. My mother later in life lost track of Rosemary and wanted to know about what she was up to. I would love to hear from anyone about Rosemary, Jimmy's sister. My mom was Helen Rapp.

I first met James J Braddock while working on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in 1963. I am a retired ironworker and was fortunate to be introduced to him during that time. He was an operating engineer working for American Bridge. Though we ironworkers briefly learned he was a former prizefighter he never really talked about his boxing days.

My memory of him was that he was hardworking and an unassuming and humble gentleman.

I am deeply impressed about his boxing career of which he never really talked about.

Love any American period piece and Mr. Braddock's is up there with the most poignant. It's probably a well calculated marketing strategy but with memorial day here Mr. Braddocks accomplishments seem to emboddy the great american story illuminted by such an inspired holliday. thanks to all those responsable for producing the film, without which i might never have come accross such a wonderfully heroic story.

Hi Jay,
It’s now just shortly after this whirlwind adventure to your Cinderella Man movie premiere in Los Angeles, and I’m still overwhelmed with all we experienced. Red-carpet, visiting Ron Howard again, Russell Crowe equally charming, all our “Universal” treats and adventures, all its California grandeur! Extraordinary—

Not only do you have an amazing history in the story of your grandfather, but more than anything, having such lovely, welcoming time with you and your family will be what I most remember and cherish. Your Uncle Howard was especially remarkable to me, as every exchange I had with him, even subtle, left me noting and feeling so many similarities to your dad; I was profoundly moved.

Your father was undeniably one of the most incredible men I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I had already revered him so greatly from my own experiences, but seeing this fantastic film, helped me better understand the foundations of his fine character I knew and loved. I, surely like you, Cat & Chris, and the rest of the Braddock ‘pack’ wished he were there with us to enjoy all the splendor of his amazing (childhood) story, and I missed him dearly. I do look forward to seeing Mrs. B take in the NYC premiere to follow. You and all your family should be very proud of the work you’ve done to share your wonderful story with the world, and John, this website is looking more fantastic every day. —Now imagine the memory you’ll need for this blog after the June 3rd opening?!

A most appreciative thank you to you Jay and Cathleen, Rosemarie, (who is not only a superbly talented actress, but remarkably genuine) and all those adorable Braddock cousins and sweet family members for making my visit there so special. Another thank to our longtime friend & bassist Dave Wirth for the most breathtaking scenic tour of LA through Malibu & Venice Beach we would never have experienced without such skilled guidance. Dave rocked! And of course, “the Cinderella Man” rocked!! EVERYONE should see it !

Jay, you are so fortunate to have such a dynamic family across the board, and I was thrilled to share in this wonderful tribute to your grandpa and family.
Thank you for an unforgettable trip.

Love Always,

Chimène

Is there a book about Mr. Braddock's life?

Wonderfull website....
Though I am of no relations to the Braddock family (obviously) It thrills me to see family finding each other on this website. I had mever met Mr Braddock, but it seems a man who loved family soo much would have liked to see this.

It is refreshing to see a movie (don't care where it is made) that is good for the human spirit. Too much sex, too much drugs, violence etc... in movies and television.

We all know nobody is flawless, but when a man loves his family soo much that he risks everything to provide for them it melts the hardest hearts, and you can't help loving the man.

May his story be an inspiration to us all. And in the drudgery of everyday living lets remember that not so long ago at a time when the highest of men fell to the lowest of levels. A man showed us that it isn't the best of times that brings out our true colors. But in the face of true adversity a man finds himself. I have still to hear a bad thing said about Mr. Braddock.

Here's to family and good men.

We just got back from the premiere of
Cinderella Man. The picture was awesome... what a fabulous experience
for the entire family. We're still on cloud nine. We got the "Red Carpet"
treatment, paparazzi and all. We never thought we would someday see my dad's life on a movie screen. I'm so proud to be his son. I'm
certain that if my brother, Jay and
sister, Rosemarie were living they
would be as pleased with the movie
as we are. My father's granddaughter.
Rosemarie Braddcok DeWitt had a role in the movie. which she played beautiful. Many thanks to Ron Howard, Renee Zellweger and Russell
Crowe for making an outstanding movie.
Howard & Elsie Braddock & Family

hi. my name is luigi ide love to say thank you to all the staff for giving me the oppertunity to open a caffe163 at your film shooting location on lauder ave, in toronto last summer i am so previelged to be still part of something so amazing.thank you ron howard and everyone for letting me be succesfull in business at this location. drop by for coffee anytime.

I grew up in Jersey City. I looked at Sports Illustrated's Top 50 Athletes from NJ and I couldn't find James Braddock. I think SI should revise its list and include the former heavyweight boxing world champ from North Bergen.