James "Jim" Bradford
September 26, 1943 - September 1, 2023
James Lloyd Bradford, 79, died Sept. 1, 2023, in Hill City. He was the only child born to Charles and Isabel (Krug) Bradford, Sept. 26, 1943, in Russell.
“Jim” as he was known to all, or James, as he was called by Sharon, grew up in the Russell area until sixth grade when the family moved to Great Bend. He graduated from high school there in 1962. Following graduation, he worked nights for the Great Bend Tribune running the address-o-graph and delivering paper bundles to surrounding towns.
Sharon had her eyes on this handsome fella long before they met. She was finally introduced to him by a friend who had previously dated Jim. One date started it all. As Sharon Long began her senior year, she was sporting his class ring and by Christmas, it was exchanged for an engagement ring. The couple was married on June 27, 1964.
The previous April, Jim had joined the National Guard and served for six years; however, was never called to active duty. After his training was completed, they finally began married life in September. The two newlyweds rented their “Love Shack” in Great Bend until 1967. After the couple moved to Hill City, Jim went to work for Baker Service Tools. The couple had their first daughter, Jaime in 1970 and their second daughter, Shari in 1973. Jim worked for 30 years at Baker Tools as a warehouseman, cleaning and repairing tools until the Hill City location was closed. Not wanting to relocate his family, he resigned and began working for Money Chevrolet, cleaning and detailing semis.
Open heart surgery ended that career in 2004. After a “second” retirement, he went to work for X-Pert Tools back to doing the work he truly loved once again.
In 2008, when Sharon retired from the courthouse, life of pure fun actually began. A motorcycle had always been in their garage off and on from the beginning. A 2003 Fatboy was converted to a three-wheeler, in 2008 covered in chrome, which was never enough. James and Sharon hit the road. It didn’t matter if it was a short hour ride or a long road trip, it was pure enjoyment. With friends, they traveled to Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, South Dakota, Montana, and a short jaunt into Canada. They never could decide which was their favorite.
Jim’s enemy was always with him. Retinitis Pigmentosa slowly robbed his eyesight and prevented driving his cherished pick-up and trike. These were both sold to people that he knew would take care of them. He was sad but knew they would always be in good hands.
But even stronger was Jim’s love for his family. His pride for his daughters, Jaime and Shari and his granddaughters Faith, Allyssa and Abby, was almost beyond reason! He would have given his life to save any of them, probably having an award somewhere for being a Super Grandpa.
James was an easy man to please. Give him good food, a nice car and his Harley and he was a happy man. Of course, his three women were his favorites, well possibly second to the Harley.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Leaving to mourn his passing are his wife Sharon, of the home; two daughters, Jaime (Phil) Weller of Smithville, Mo., and Shari (Scott) Roberts of Hill City; three granddaughters: Faith Weller of Smithville, Mo., Allyssa (Lincoln) Brungardt of St. Peter, and Abby (Slater) Oden of Bozeman, Mont.
They say, “Life is a Journey. Enjoy the Ride.” … and Jim certainly did enjoy the ride. Rest in Peace, James.