James Edward Bradley

James Edward Bradley, 92, of Monte Vista Colorado was welcomed into heaven on Aug. 9, 2022, after quietly succumbing to the rigors of a long life, well spent.

Jim was born April 30, 1930, to Jess E. and Sarah (Kennedy) Bradley in Stillwater, Okla. After graduating from Stillwater High School, Jim enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard, serving during the Korean War, where he rose as an 18-year-old to the rank of staff sergeant.

Following an honorable discharge, Jim returned to Stillwater to marry Nora Lee Blankenship also of Stillwater, and to attend Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) under the GI Bill. Jim graduated in 1956 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering and was hired by the Ralston Purina Company.

Jim’s career at “Purina” took him to Kansas, Nebraska, Idaho, and finally to Denver, Colo. While in Denver Jim and Nora decided to stay in Colorado, as opposed to taking his next promotion and moving the Purina’s corporate offices in St Louis. Jim worked in the agriculture industry in Denver and owned a dry cleaner for several years.

In 1973, Jim and son David bought a quarter section of land in the San Luis Valley of Colorado where together they raised wheat and barley. Jim ventured into the cattle industry during a short tenure on his ranch near Moffat, Colo.

Shortly after giving up on ranching, Jim met his second wife Judith (Judy) Burnett Rodgers of Monte Vista, Colo. After a brief courtship Jim and Judy were married in 1985 at Monte Vista’s United Methodist Church where they remained members for the remainder of their lives.

Jim worked for, and retired from the State of Colorado, after having worked at the Homelake Veteran’s Center for 12 years. Ironically, this was the place where Jim passed away after a short stay. Through it all, Jim lived life with determination, a clear mind, a smile on his face, and a twinkle in his eye.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Jess and Sarah Bradley, his eight siblings Aloysius (Abe), William Schafers (half-brother), John, Victor, Rita, Rebecca (Nasalroad), Mark, and Joe, his daughter Milissa Ann Bradley, as well as his beloved wife Judy.  

Jim is survived by his children Thomas (Edward) of Aurora, Colo., David of Monte Vista, Colo., Paul of Boulder, Colo., and Michael of Brighton, Colo.; his stepsons Chris, and Kevin Rodgers, of South Carolina; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, at the United Methodist Church in Monte Vista. Interment will follow at the Monte Vista Cemetery. 

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances, and tributes for Jim’s family, visit www.RogersFunerals.com.