James "Jim" L. Bradley

When at last the harvest comes, as the fields receive the dew; a life well lived leaves a legacy. On Saturday afternoon October 30, 2021, James L. ‘Jim’ Bradley passed away surrounded by those who loved him at the age of 75. The legacy that he created and leaves behind will be forever remembered by his family, friends and the farming community.

Jim’s legacy begins while attending Trafalgar High School where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. His FFA project of farming his fathers 200 acres led to a lifelong love of farming. As his family grew, so did Bradley Farms. At an early age, Jim instilled into his children that “The land belongs to God Almighty and we’re just leasing it while here on earth.” He also instilled the importance of a hard work ethic and a dedication to farming. Jim learned at an early age the importance of love and the gift of giving to those in need, all without wanting any praise.

Jim was born August 14, 1946 in Trafalgar, IN, to his parents, the late Alvin and Jeanette (Ragsdale) Bradley. He was a 1964 graduate of Trafalgar High School and was the owner and operator of Bradley Farms in Johnson County since the 1960’s. Starting out early with crops, the farm grew with the addition of hogs and cattle. Today, Bradley Farms continues farming in Johnson, Morgan and surrounding counties and was recognized as the “Farm Family of the Year” by the Daily Journal in 2002. Jim’s legacy will continue on by the hard work and determination of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to being a fulltime farmer, Jim drove a school bus for Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson School Corp. for over 35 years. Jim also was a well-loved Santa Claus in the 70s and 80s.

Jim is survived by his loving children, Lesa {Jeff Arnold) Arnold of Morgantown, Ken (Lisa) Bradley of Trafalgar, Amy (Matt) Dougherty of Greenwood and Julie (Jason) Nicholson of Vail, AZ; grandchildren, Brad (Brooke) Sichting of Morgantown, Brandon (Leah Gunter) Sichting of Bargersville, Lauren (Adam) Mullis of Greenwood, Makenzie (Jake) Marker of Trafalgar, Kyle (Chelsea) Bradley of Trafalgar, Kaleb (Shalee) Bradley of Trafalgar, Emily, Eric, Ethan Dougherty of Greenwood, and Jacob & Jasmine Nicholson of Vail, AZ; brother, Jack Bradley of Franklin; great grandchildren, Bentley, Bryson, and Brinley Sichting, Kinsley and Kendall Sichting, Kennedy, Baylor, Brody, and Kolly Bradley, Lance Marker and his beloved fur companion, Ellie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Jim was a life-long member of the Beech Grove Baptist Church in Trafalgar where his family attended. Even before obtaining a driver’s license, he would drive and pick up his grandmother every Sunday so she would not miss church. Other memberships include Johnson Co. Farm Bureau Co-op Board, Mt Pleasant Cemetery Board, Trafalgar Young Farmers, Trafalgar High School Alumni, and many others. Jim enjoyed working and line dancing, and was great at it! He had a distinct laugh that lit up the room.  He was known to most as “Papaw Jim” and taught numerous kids to drive a manual in “Baby Blue.”

Jim knew he was given a blessed life. No accomplishment was greater than his love for his family and many friends. Jim’s love for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was unwavering. His smile, handshake and most importantly that big bear hug will be missed by all those who loved him.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3rd at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2nd at the funeral home. Burial will be at First Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Franklin.

The family would like to thank Dr. William Berg and Staff for all their extra care and concern.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Beech Grove Baptist Church: 5868 W 325 S, Trafalgar, IN 46181.

Expression of caring and kindness can be made to the Bradley family at meredith-clark.com.

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