James Willie Bradford
1933 ~ 2019
Date of Death: October 21, 2019
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Bradford family. James’ earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. James Willie Bradford.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
James W. Bradford was born in Smackover, Arkansas on December 31,1933 to the late Willie Claude Bradford and Ruby Burgy. He was reared by his grandmother, Ethel Brock Dismuke and aunt, Ruth Brock-McAdoo. James confessed a belief in Jesus Christ at an early age. James graduated from Smackover High School and later received his B.S.E. Degree from Arkansas Baptist College, in Little Rock, Arkansas. While in Little Rock they united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Fred T. Guy. He furthered his studies at AM&N College in Pine Bluff Arkansas and Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi. James later met and married the late Charlene (McGhee) and to this union three children were born, Samuel Laverne, Karyn DeWanda, and Bryan Jevon were born. A devoted educator, Mr. Bradford began his career as a Principal/Teacher at Hickory Plains, Arkansas later becoming Principal/Coach at Southside Elementary in Des Arc. In 1971 he became head basketball coach at Des Arc High School. He ended his educational career after 35 years with the Pulaski County School District. Over the span of his career he has coached many student athletes and was affectionately known as “Coach” throughout the community. James continued his dedication to Christianity as a member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church He served on the Deacon Board, as the Church Clerk and President of the Choir at Fellowship until his passing.
James was proceeded in death by his wife Charlene, mother Ruby, grandmother Ethel and Aunt Ruth.
Leaving to cherish his memory are two sons Samuel (Nancy) Bradford of Hope, Arkansas, Bryan Bradford of Minneapolis, Minnesota, one daughter, Karyn (Kenyen) Coleman Little Rock; god-daughters, Valerie (Jean) Marks, LaValeria (Jane) Smith; cousin/sister Shirley (Tom) Carter-Browne, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law, Dianne Albright, Odessia Reed and Doris McGee-Jones all of St. Louis, Missouri; adopted families, Morehead and Lofton; and host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Celebration of life service will be held Monday, October 28, 2019, 1:00pm at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 209 East Claire Street, Des Arc, Arkansas 72040.
Family visitation will be held one hour prior to celebration of life service.
Committal service and final resting place will be announced by Veasley Funeral Home at a later date.
