James Wayne Bradley

 James Wayne Bradley, age 83, Sturgis, S.D., died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Fort Meade surrounded by family.

 

Jim was born Dec. 15, 1932, to Edmund and Laura (Higgins) Bradley in Springfield. He was the second eldest of five children, Charles, Mary, Sharon and Mark “Bub”.

Jim was raised near Marcus, where he attended grade school. He graduated high school from St. Martin’s Academy in 1952. 

 

After graduation, he returned to work on the family ranch near Marcus until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1955. He attended basic training at Fort Lewis and was stationed in Japan until 1957. He then served with the S.D. Army National Guard until 1961 when he was honorably discharged.

 

Jim met the love of his life, Thelma McAmis, in 1958 and they married Jan. 2, 1960. Together, Jim and Thelma were blessed with seven children, Janet, Lori, Brian, Pamela, Patricia, Lisa and Bruce. 

 

Jim was a passionate rancher from an early age. After serving his country, he returned to Hermosa where he continued to ranch with his father. During his time in Hermosa, he began working for Western Cattle Company as a ranch manager, where he then operated several ranches throughout western South Dakota. 

 

In 1974, Jim and his family moved to Sturgis where he worked for Bradley Sodding until 1979. After retirement, he kept busy lending a helping hand to anyone in need. He especially enjoyed spending time with and helping his children and grandchildren.

 

Our favorite memories of Dad include his daily phone calls to family and friends "just checking in." He never spoke a word without a sense of humor or teasing remark which all of us enjoyed. Family gatherings always surrounded the dinner table, which filled him with joy, love and pride.

 

Jim is survived by his wife, Thelma, of Sturgis; five daughters, Janet (Glen) Long of Enning, Lori (Dave) Kunz of Edina, Minn., Pamela (Ulrich) Hollering of Ingolstadt, Germany, Patricia (Gary) Hinkle of Omaha, Neb., Lisa Larsen of Spearfish, and Bruce Bradley (Tracy Davis) of Sturgis; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

 

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Laura; father, Edmund; stepmother, Madge; son, Brian; grandson, Benjamin; son-in-law, Scott; and brother, Mark.

 

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Dec. 3, 2016, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father Timothy Castor officiating. 

Interment was at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sturgis.

 

A memorial has been established at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sturgis.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals. com.