Obituary of James Wilson Bradley

James Wilson Bradley, 72, also known as Jim, Jimmy or JB to those close to him, passed away May 17, 2021. Jim was born on October 17, 1948 in Liberty, TX. The family spent the bulk of his childhood in the College Station area with the exception of a short, adventurous detour to Alaska when little Jimmy was in kindergarten. Upon graduating from Sam Houston State University, Jim—a rock musician in his youth—became a disc jockey for an AM radio station in Cleveland, TX. During his tenure as a deejay, he met the love of his life, Sylvia. He swept her, and her daughter Lisa, off their feet and they were married in November of 1976. Ten years later, Bryan was born and they rounded out the family with Jamie in 1985. As his clan started to grow, he got a union job in the ‘family business’ as a telephone lineman and remained in that profession until he retired in the mid-2000s. In his life, Jim was known as an ardent fan of music (classic rock and *good*, old country, especially). He loved nothing more than singing, dancing, playing guitar, and going to watch his favorite artists play live any chance he got. He was also a hunter, a fisherman, a collector of firearms, a lover of aircraft and cruises, and NASCAR. Never the loudest in the room, he was gifted with a dry, sharp wit that could win over anyone willing to listen. In turn, making Jim Bradley really laugh was a pride-inducing accomplishment of the highest caliber. Beyond his hobbies, humor, and his reputation as a hard-worker, Jim’s true legacy will be his devotion to his wife Sylvia. Sylvia was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the early 80s and suffered from the disease until her passing in April of 2010. With help from his children and beloved caregivers, Frankie, Jean and Nancy, he worked during the day and took care of his wife in the evening and every weekend. Their path was never easy, but it was a road paved with true love. Jim Bradley was loyal, courageous, and kind-hearted until his very last breath. He never remarried (nor did he want to) and, as much as he’ll be missed by all that knew him, he is at peace and reunited with his love at last. The family would love to thank those that saw to his care in his final years: The wonderful staff of Colonial Oaks Senior Living in Pearland, TX; Melanie and the team at A-Med hospice; and friend, neighbor, and damn great cook Connie Wilson Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents Margaret and Wilson Bradley of Shepherd, TX and beloved wife Sylvia Bradley, neé Burwick. Left to cherish his memory are his sister Paula Kaiser and husband Barry; daughter Lisa Gschwind and partner Vince Maksymowski, son Bryan Bradley, and daughter Jamie Bradley; granddaughter Ali Gschwind; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. SERVICE INFORMATION: At Jim’s request, he will be cremated and his ashes buried in a series of small, private services. In lieu of flowers, please leave words of public tribute and go see some live music as much as you can.