James William Bradford, Sr.

James William Bradford Sr. was born on December 3rd, 1938, in Smackover Arkansas, to Birdie Lee and Acie Bradford Sr. He was called home to be with our Lord on February 26th, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents and, his brothers; Cedell Braford Sr., Joseph Willie Bradford Sr., and Johnny Ray Bradford.

James gave his life to Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Smackover Arkansas.  He received his education in Smackover, Arkansas, and graduated from Smackover High School. He served in the Army Reserve for a short period of time, once he was honorably discharged, he moved to Kansas City Missouri.

James married Ruby Jean Grant on January 1960. To this union four children were born: Diane, James Patrick, Vickie, and Norman. James was married to Diane Cheadle by Reverend Earl Abel on June 21st, 1982. To this union James Jr. and Crystal were born.

James was employed for over 30 years with the United States Postal System. Once he retired from the Postal System, he began working part time for 5 years delivering packages to local banks.

James loved getting together with his family, especially his sister Bettye and her children to eat whatever she had on the table, smoked turkey, coon, rabbit, and other forest animals

James enjoyed watching football and eating coon, skins, drinking beer with his good friend Mr. Jenkins. He loved to go to the casino to play the machines, watch the fights, and going to the track. James always had a pot of greens and cornbread to share with whomever came by on Sundays. He also enjoyed polishing and riding in his Cadillac cars. In his later years he loved going back to Arkansas and Oklahoma to hunt and fish with his friends and family. James had a kind heart and beautiful smile.

James is survived by his sisters: Bettye Pearson of Kansas City, Missouri, and Martha Ann Kennedy of Dallas, Texas brothers: Acie Bradford Jr. Eufaula, Oklahoma and Robert Earl Bradford of Detroit, Michigan. James also leaves to cherish his memory his children: James Bradford Jr. of Raytown, Missouri, Crystal Bradford of Raytown, Missouri, Diane (Claude) Kansas City, Missouri., James Patrick (Brenda) Lees Summit, Missouri., Vicki, Kansas, City Missouri, and Norman (Michelle) Grandview, Missouri. Plus, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends