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James Charles Bradford

February 16, 1932 — May 8, 2025

East Moline

James Charles Bradford

James Charles Bradford was born February 16, 1932 to Pearl (Canada) Bradford and Clarence Lee Bradford. James confessed his faith in Jesus Christ at Shiloh Baptist Church in Chicago, IL at an early age.

He graduated from Englewood High School in 1950, he briefly attended a junior college in Chicago before being drafted into the Army in 1951. He served in the Korean War attached to the Company C. 439 Engineer Construction Battalion. He received 2 Bronze Stars, a United Nations Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. After being discharged in 1954 he moved to Freeport, IL.

On June 1, 1957 he married Emma Jean Bruce, they were blessed with 2 daughters; Rhonda Simpson (East Moline, IL), Robin Bradford (Tumwater, WA), 1 grandson Leonard Simpson (East Moline, IL). James worked many jobs from setting pins at the bowling alley, pharmacy, bakery, Chrysler, Kelly Springfield before moving to the Quad Citites to work for John Deere until he retired on July 1, 1997.

James was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears since 1941, he also loved the Minneapolis, now Los Angeles, Lakers since the inception of the NBA. James also loved the Brooklyn, now Los Angeles, Dodgers after witnessing Jackie Robinson playing against the Chicago Cubs. He also supported the WNBA and Women's College Basketball knowing all the players as well as he did the men.

James had a love for Jazz and Gospel music, he loved to play Bid Whist, Spades,Monopoly and his favorite game of Horseshoes. He joined Second Baptist Church where he was a faithful member in person and on Facebook. He also enjoyed watching St. Paul on Facebook even after the Pandemic.

James passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2025, he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years and 5 sisters.

Left to cherish his memories are his 2 daughters, grandson, 1 sister Virgina Cooper (Rockford, IL), his oldest nephew Marvin Moore (New Jersey) and a host of nieces and nephews and great friends.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Charles Bradford, please visit our flower store.

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