James Lawrence Bradley Jr.

James Lawrence Bradley, Jr., 80, died peacefully at his home on the morning of January 8, 2026. Known as Jim by friends and family, and Papa by his loving grandchildren, he leaves a legacy of love, loyalty, and life-long learning.

Born on September 28, 1945 in Rochester, NY, Jim was the eldest of seven children born to Ann Perkins and Dr. James Lawrence Bradley, Sr. A few years later his family settled in Ft. Myers, FL – a hometown he proudly carried with him the rest of his life. He was raised in the Roman Catholic faith which he continued and along with his wife raised his children in as well. Always one for a laugh or good anecdote, Jim shared his sharp wit, knack for story-telling, and wisdom with friends and family, leaving all who encountered him better for having done so.

Growing up in Ft. Myers, Jim graduated from Ft. Myers Senior High School and then the University of South Florida. His career in news television brought him to stops in Mobile, AL, Washington DC, and Harrisonburg, VA. His love for his home state’s natural beauty and that sun-soaked disposition following him at every stop. He was always ready for a round of golf, skiing, sailing, or cooking up something tasty and taking in a ballgame.

After meeting his wife and starting a family, they settled in Williamsburg, VA in the late 1980s. He became the Public Relations Manager for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a role he loved and took great pride in for over 25 years before retiring in 2014.

Jim was a member of St. Bede Catholic Church. He was a proud USF alum and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity member. He passionately supported his South Florida Bulls athletic teams and Tampa Bay area sports teams – especially the Rays, Buccaneers, and Lightning. He rarely missed watching a Rays game, and never missed a sporting event, practice, or event any of his children participated in growing up. No matter what task, hobby, or new topic that had piqued his interest, he wouldn’t hesitate to step away to give his time and support to his family or invite them to join him so he could either teach them something new or learn together.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger siblings Kathy and Roger. Jim leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Suzanne, their four children and four grandchildren to continue his legacy. He was a loving and proud father to James “Trip” (Rachel) of South Carolina, Courtney (Andrew) of Williamsburg, Graham of Petaluma, CA, and Erin of Williamsburg. He was Papa to Robert, Erin, Lila, and Foster who filled his heart with vibrant joy, boundless love, and provided him a new and ready audience for his caring and infectious humor. Siblings surviving him are Dick Bradley (Diane) of Oldsmar, FL; Chris Bradley (Mary) of Tampa, FL; Brian Bradley (Joni) of Cape Coral, FL; Carolyn Scanlon (Jim) of Oviedo, FL, and surviving sister-in-law Deryl Bradley of Fort Myers, FL. Also left to celebrate his life are his many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

The family would like to thank the many medical, hospice, and service personnel who helped Jim through his medical needs in his final months. Their professionalism, kindness, and ability to match his wit and jokes in their time with him meant so much to his family.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to LARC, Inc. (Fort Myers, FL), Ronald McDonald House, Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, or the Roberto Clemente Foundation.

Private services will be held at a later date.