James Bradshaw

On Wednesday, July 17th, 2024, James Michael Bradshaw, a beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa, and Friend passed peacefully at the age of eighty, in the home he shared with his wife and daughters.

Jim was born in St. Louis Missouri on October 7, 1943, to Hazel and Vance Bradshaw. Jim had an older sister named Bonnie, who was a registered nurse. Jim attended Pacific Highschool and in 1967 graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. He later earned a master's degree in education from Boston University in 1980. Due to the Vietnam war Jim entered the US Army and attended and graduated from Officer Candidate School, Ranger School, and Airborne School. During the period of 1967 to 1972 Jim served two combat tours in Vietnam. As Infantry and later Military Police under the 101st Airborne Division. During his first tour in Vietnam Jim was very proud to be a Platoon Leader of the 47th Scout Dog Platoon, where he handled a German Shepard named "Sig" whom he loved dearly. In 1967 Jim married his first wife Susan Gabbert. In February of 1970 they welcomed their son Jake Bradshaw. In 1972, Jim relocated with the US Army Military Police School from Fort Gordon, Augusta, Georgia to Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. Several years later in 1976, Jim meant his life-long partner and soul-mate Susan King Waldron. In May of 1978, Jim and Susan married in Hampton, New Hampshire at the home of Agnes and Arthur Waldron, Susan's parents. Jim and Susan met while Susan was on active duty in the Army. They enjoyed 7 years of being stationed in Germany and traveled throughout Europe. Jim retired from the US Army after 20 years of active-duty service in 1987. During his military career he earned the Combat Infantrymen Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and numerous other commendations.

Jim and Susan shared in the raising of three beautiful girls, Kasey, Emmy, and Ellie. As children, they remember traveling across country in the families green F-150 Ford pickup truck. The back of the truck was covered with carpeted seats, like a camper, and allowed the girls to travel in comfort as they played with their toys. Every Halloween their dad would play music from The Phantom of the Opera. The music was so loud everyone in the neighborhood could hear, and kids always looked forward to the theatrics of the Bradshaw's during Halloween.

Though Jim loved being a husband and father. One of Jim's favorite roles was being a grandparent. Jim had 8 grandchildren. Josh (30), Ashley (28), Jamie (14), Sophia (10) Xavier (5), Ava, (5), Emery, (3), Mia (1) and in October of 2024 will be welcoming their 9th grandchild named Scarlet. In the later years, Jim treasured his time with the grandkids and loved being a grandpa known for games such as "little man coming to tickle them."

Jim and Susan had many pets throughout the years, but he had a special bond with Peanut Butter Bradshaw, a light brown dachshund. Peanut never left Jim's side and they are now joyfully reunited in Heaven.

Jim and Susan's love story stood the test of time, and their journey of love is an inspiration to us all. The family couldn't have asked for a better, Husband, Father, and Grandpa. They will miss him every day and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Vance Bradshaw, and his sister Bonnie, and is survived by his wife Susan Bradshaw, son Jake, and three daughters Kasey, Emmy, and Ellie.

To our beloved Jim, till we meet again in heaven, we will love you forever.

"Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:15)