James Charles Bradley was born on December 31, 1954 to the late James Henry Bradley and Verdia Lee Credit Bradley in Hope, Arkansas. He graduated from Hope High School in 1972. He attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas. He worked at AutoZone until his retirement. Most people are also familiar with his days managing Pizza Hut and Piggly Wiggly. James always had a friendly disposition. You would say that he never met a stranger therefore, he had a host of friends. James was an avid farmer, fisherman and hunter. He loved the outdoors. He spent all his free time on his tractor or four-wheeler. He was always one to tell vivid hunting and fishing stories. He could place a smile on anyone’s face.
He was married and out of these two unions, two children were born. Jason Bradley, his son and his daughter, Alison Bradley/ James loved spending time with his granddaughter, Karlee Marie. He was a wonderful grandfather and spent numerous hours spoiling her. She was the apple of his eye. This was when James was truly in his happy place. He and his daughter, Alison spent countless hours in the kitchen experimenting with different recipes in hopes that they would not burn the house down. These were the times that meant the most. He enjoyed planting with his brother, Michael, and spending time helping his sister, Karen, to care for their mother.
He loved living on his farm. He was proud of the connections he made daily in Hope. He loved Hope so much that he never wanted to leave.
James was a person who would go out of his way to help any person that he could. He made sure that he lived a life that would be pleasing to the Lord and those around him as well. He lived a life that was full of love, laughter, and light to anyone he encountered. He united in Christian fellowship at an early age at Lonoke Baptist Church in Hope. He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Ray Bradley.
Many people loved James because he had a kind spirit that will be greatly missed be all. His memory and legacy will live on through all that knew and loved him.
He leaves to cherish his memories:
Daughter: Alison Lee Bradley, Hope, Arkansas
Son: Jason Bradley (Michelle), Dallas, Texas
Mother: Verdia Lee Credit Bradley, Hope
Granddaughters: Karlee Marie Young, Hope, Arkansas and Kennedy Bradley, Dallas, Texas
Brothers: Michael (Tonya) Bradley, Hope
Sisters: Karen Livingston (Walter), Hope
Special Friend: Cynthia Murphy, Hope
A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be 11am Saturday, February 20 at Hicks Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Cave Hill #2 Cemetery in Hope. Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.