James Bradford
August 16, 1924-May 2, 2017
Mr. James Bradford was born on August 16, 1924 in Sumter, South Carolina to Sam Nicholas Bradford and Elizabeth E. Campbell Bradford. He transitioned from this life on May 2, 2017 at Brookdale-Bear Creek Nursing Home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. James graduated from the Sumter County public schools.
After completing high school, Mr. Bradford began a 33-year career in the United States Army, retiring with an honorable discharge as a Master Sgt. He was a veteran of three wars: WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. While in the Army he received training in culinary arts. He achieved an AB degree in Food Services from Pikes Peak Community College. After his military service James worked as a master chef in several prestigious facilities. His final job was as a correctional officer with the Colorado Prison System. He was an active member of The Retired Enlisted Association.
Mr. Bradford is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ruth U. Bradford. Survivors include a brother and sister: General L. Bradford (Maurice), (Takoma Park, MD), and Essie B. Pringle (Fayetteville, NC); four nieces and nephews who closely cared for him during his final year: Ernest H. Dicks, Dr. Alvin J. Bradford (Dena), Dr. Mashelle Bradford, and Dr. Barbara A. Dicks. Other nieces and nephews include: Deborah Dinkins Childs (Darnell), Ronald Dinkins, Murray Olsteen Bradford, Deborah Dicks Maxwell, Betty Bradford Terry and Ray Bradford. He leaves a brother-in law Karl-Heinrich Joost (Rethwisch, Germany) and sister-in-law Dieta Hartmann (Rostock, Germany). Also mourning his departure are special long-time family friends, Mrs. Viola Daniels and son, Elie Daniels, Jr. James was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Elizabeth C. Bradford and six siblings: Richard Bradford, Ernest Bradford, William Bradford, Frederick Bradford, Mattie Dicks and Birdie Dinkins.
Funeral Services: Saturday, May 13, 2017 with Viewing 9:30-10:30am followed by final services 10:30am (including full military honors) at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs 80910. Rev. Kevin Anderson, Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, will be officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be in honor of James Bradford to:
American Diabetes Association
P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, Va. 22215 Or Call 1-800-342-2383
Acknowledgements
The Family acknowledges the compassionate care and support from Brookdale-Bear Creek Nursing Facility Staff. Special thanks for the exceptional Care giving provided by Debbie Doxey-Waterbury, Brunhilde Whiteway, Jody Callaway, Sherry Jackson, and Pamela Maez, and others. We are eternally appreciative to Mrs. Viola Daniels and Eli Daniels, Jr. for their “standing in the gap” for the family during the convalescent crisis. We are thankful to Rev. Kevin Anderson and the members of Friendship Baptist Church for the extension of true love in facilitating the Home Going Service and Repast.