James Norman Bradley passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 2, 2020 at the age of 94. He was born in Detroit and was raised in Port Huron, Michigan, along the shore of beautiful Lake Huron. In his early days he loved sailing and building radios. He was an avid reader and a lover of poetry, music, and history. He loved to dance and knew his way around the dance floor. He liked to recite poetry and was a walking encyclopedia on American History.
At the age of 17 he joined the Marines and served in the Pacific with the 6th Marine Tank Division. He was stationed on Guam, Samoa, Okinawa, Alaska, and Hawaii. He was present when the Japanese surrendered in Tokyo, and was then sent to China for the Japanese surrender there just as the communists were coming into power. He served his community as a very active member of the Board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and also served on the Boards of The United Way, Humane Society, Project Head Start, and PROBE: clean water and clean air initiatives. He was also the President of the AFL/CIO in St. Clair County for two years.
In 1984, he married Janet Holmes, the love of his life, and moved to Florida after retiring from the Detroit Edison Company. They were happily married for 34 years and enjoyed having their families visit so they had an excuse to make huge meals with lavish desserts. Six years ago they moved to Gallatin, Tennessee after Jan had a stroke. He was her loving caretaker for five years. Jan died in November, 2019. He was devastated by her loss, but still optimistic about life enough to move back to Michigan and buy a condo rather than go to assisted living because he didn’t want to live with “old people.” He was fiercely independent and overcame many health challenges that would have sidelined most. Right up to a few days before his death, he would drive down by the water and watch the freighters and ocean vessels go by. He lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. He left behind a daughter, a grandson and a great granddaughter, a foster daughter, five step-children and their extended families, as well as many good friends and admirers. He inspired others because of his courage in facing life’s challenges and his perseverance in spite of them.
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