James Arthur Bradley, Jr., a lifelong resident of Warwick County and Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by love and his family on March 7, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on November 11, 1939. Commonly known as “Jim” or “Buddy,” he was a man defined by service, an unwavering dedication to family, a strong faith, and a gold-standard work ethic. Jim was known as a builder and a mechanic who had the innate ability to create or fix anything presented to him. He often and generously offered his talents and helping hands to assist others in problem solving or project completion.
Jim’s commitment to service began early, working as a boy in his mother’s restaurant. As a young man, he proudly joined the United States Navy, seeing the world while serving his nation at sea for four years of active duty. He completed two additional years in the U.S. Navy Reserve before being honorably discharged in 1966. After his military service, he had a long career at Newport News Shipbuilding before branching out in an entrepreneurial capacity with his own successful business. In his later years, he worked and retired from Atlantic Bingo Supplies as a Sales & Repair Representative for their Mid-Atlantic region. He found great satisfaction in traveling to support his numerous customers who depended heavily on him.
Jim was a devout Roman Catholic and parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church since 1953. He was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and a lifelong member of Knights of Columbus, Walter Pollard Council #5480. Jim also served as a youth leader in the Boy Scouts of America organization, sparking a generational love within his family for camping, hiking, and cooking on an open fire.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Kathleen Wilk Bradley. For over six decades, they built and curated a beautiful life and family together. Jim often described Kathleen as the love of his life and credited her as the reason behind his proudest accomplishments. Their love and devotion to each other was an inspiration to all who knew them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur Bradley, Sr. and Bessie May Sutton Bradley. Jim was our family’s pillar of strength and patriarch who leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love through his children: Shawn P. Bradley, Mary Bradley-Howell (K.C. Howell), David S. Bradley (Dr. Selena Taylor Bradley), and his grandchildren: Morgan F. Howell, Jacob L. Bradley, Madison H. Burns (Nick Burns), Catherine N. Bradley, Tyler C. Howell, and Colt J. Bradley. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. They remain forever grateful for the years of happiness, memories, and bottomless bowls of ice cream shared together over the years. Jim is also survived by a large and loving extended family of siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A man of resilient strength and a smile that turned strangers into friends, Jim was a blessing to his family and neighbors alike. He will be welcomed into Heaven and deeply missed by all who loved him.
A Funeral Mass to celebrate Jim’s life will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 100 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601. A private graveside burial at Peninsula Memorial Park will be held at a later date.
In honor of Jim’s lifelong love for nature and the outdoors, the family suggests memorial contributions be made by planting a tree in a National Forest through A Living Tribute, at https://shop.alivingtribute.org/.
Though Jim has completed his earthly journey,
his spirit will be felt amidst the beauty of the great outdoors.
9 Comments
You will live forever in our hearts xox
Mrs. Bradley, I just learned of your husband’s passing. I am so very sorry! Running into you all at Sheltering Arms was such a surprise! He was a true gentleman and I know you and your family will miss him.
He will be deeply missed, and his love, wisdom, and legacy will live on in all who knew and cherished him!
A loving grandfather, forever in our hearts
You never asked for anything, yet gave us everything. I am forever grateful to call you Dad.
He was an exceptional role model and beloved grandfather. We love you.
I could not have asked for a better father-in-law. He was never anything ever than kind and encouraging. Much like myself, he was quiet and observant. So, one of the proudest moments of my entire life was once when he took me aside and told me that he thought David and I were doing a good job raising our family. I told him the only reason we were able to do so was that he and Kathleen showed us the way. I will miss him dearly
I will miss: our walks around the yard looking at your most recent house projects, the way you admired the sprouting foliage and flowers of the season, the hilarious stories of the various wildlife inhabiting your backyard, the way you could efficiently pack a car prior to a road trip, the way you always greeted me when I came to visit, the way you loved your grandkids and hearing about their lives, the way you carefully organized and cared for the tools in your garage, the way you enjoyed any kind of soup, your secret obsession with Reece peanut butter cups, your devout religious faith, your quiet patience, your ability to fix problematic cars, your hardworking work ethic, your loving heart, your protective nature, your openness to show love – especially toward mom, your calming personality, your mechanical genius mind, your love of NCIS, and…your warm smile. But, I think what I will miss most are the conversations we often had sitting around the kitchen table, drinking coffee, and listening to the stories of your life.
We’ll miss you, but will carry you in our hearts forever. We’ll always think of you when we eat ice cream. We love you