James Miles Bradbury

James “Brad” Miles Bradbury passed away on November 16, 2022 at the age of 82, in Yakima, Washington. His battle with pancreatic cancer in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a calm demeanor and constant consideration of others. Despite it all, he stayed strong until the end and his final words were expressions of his love. He passed peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side, to be embraced and reunited in heaven with his son and parents.

Jim was born in 1940 and raised in Toppenish, Washington, to Dr. Frank and Mrs. Anne Bradbury. He graduated from Toppenish High School in 1959 with several lifelong friends that continue to gather many times a year. As a youth Jim spent so many hours hanging out at the fishing counter of Conrad’s Appliances that he was later hired there at the age of 16. Other than his years away in college and the Navy, Jim worked at and eventually owned Conrad’s over the next five decades until his retirement in 2006. He was known for his ability to troubleshoot and fix nearly everything, as well as his fair and honest professionalism. We proudly remember holiday meals interrupted on our end so he could perform an emergency service call for one of his “little old ladies” who’s heating element had faltered while the turkey was in the oven. He was a true hometown hero that kept extra parts in stock for just such an occasion.

Growing up Jim was active and accomplished in tennis, golf, and later became involved in motocross. His close-knit group of buddies from the Top-Hi Class of ’59 were always up to some mischief (remember that flag?), of which we’ve probably only heard the tip of the iceberg of their many adventures. He was also a very talented artist and attended the Seattle Art Institute for a short period before enrolling in the Navy under the buddy system with his close friend, Elwin Stewart. Jim proudly served aboard the USS Oriskany and spent a lot of time in Alaska.

Jim met the love of his life, Ronnie, at Ed’s BBQ in Toppenish, Washington in the fall of 1966 after proudly serving in the US Navy. Before their introduction, Ronnie overheard him at the counter proclaiming that he would never marry. She had other plans in mind, and a few months later Jim and Ronnie began their marriage of nearly 56 years together.

In 1967, Jim and Ronnie welcomed their son, Michael James Bradbury, followed in 1970 by their daughter, Wendy (Bradbury) Clark. They created many fond memories of camping, fishing, and being together at the Conrad’s store downtown. What kid wouldn’t want to grow up with open access to those back rooms filled with every tool and scrap you can imagine? It was like their very own Maker Space with many fond hours spent tinkering away. Most summers the family would travel to visit family in Montana and North Dakota, often picking up Dawn and Marty along the way to come back and spend time in Washington. Epic fishing trips ensued when Marty, Mike, and Uncle Jim were on board!

Jim and Ronnie purchased their home in Toppenish from Eddie Conrad in 1975, where they lived until moving to the Mt. Adams Golf Course in 2006 and Jim’s passion for golf was reignited. He played many rounds of golf there until their move to Yakima in 2014 to be closer to Wendy, her husband Dean, and their two children. Always proud and supportive, they could be found at nearly all of Kaylee’s and Braden’s sporting events and school functions over the years. Jim and Dean formed a special bond over the past 30 plus years, as close as the father and son they became to each other.

Jim was one of the hardest working and most generous people you could ever meet. He exhibited those traits daily through his career in appliance sales and repair, and in his volunteering efforts. As a Lion’s Club member and eventually President, he was constantly involved in community events. From flipping steaks or eggs, using his handmade “drill mixer” for pancake batter, and keeping Ronnie and Wendy piled high with legs at the crab feeds, to setting out flags for the town’s Independence Day festivities, you could find Jim and his trusty truck with the tailgate lift running all around town to make it all happen. A creative and artistic tinkerer, Jim also spent many years helping to design and build parade floats for the Toppenish Junior Miss Royalty. He sponsored Mike’s bowling team (not Wendy’s, as she never let him forget) and coached Mike’s baseball team. His strong sense of giving back to the community and overall generosity will forever be a part of his legacy.

Over the last two years Jim battled pancreatic cancer, which ultimately took his life. Although the diagnosis and ensuing surgeries and treatments were nothing we would want anybody to experience, the extra time we had with him will forever be cherished. Due to COVID, he couldn’t have visitors or too many people accompanying him. Therefore, Wendy and Jim spent countless hours traveling back and forth to Seattle at least twice a month together, connecting and deepening their bond in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. For that, Wendy will always be eternally grateful.

Jim and Ronnie experienced deep pain and loss in 1981 when their son died from a brain tumor at the age of 13. Knowing that father and son are now reunited in heaven brings us much peace and comfort. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Anne, his son Michael James, mother-in-law Helen, fathers-in-law Mencer and Albin, brother-in-law Joe, and his “second family” Eddie and Mary Jane Conrad. He is survived by his wife Ronnie, daughter Wendy, son-in-law Dean, grandchildren Kaylee and Braden, sister Alice (Stanley) Houle, brothers-in-law Michael and Mark, and sisters-in-law Adele, Laura, Linnea, Jeannie and Lois. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews; Dawn, Marty, Chris, Melissa, Elaine, Lara, Shane, Amy, and Alan. He was an especially close fatherly uncle to MaryAnne (Scott) Stobaugh, and Helen (Fred) Ashbaugh, who he especially loved to tease. Additionally, he is survived by “second family Conrad siblings” Becky, Carmen, and Nancy.

A Celebration of Life for all family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at 1:00pm at the American Legion in Yakima, Washington. Please join us in sharing stories and a special meal, two things Jim excelled at and appreciated. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff at Virginia Mason Oncology, Memorial Hospital, Good Samaritan and Fieldstone OrchardWest that cared for Jim. Most especially in his final days, your kindness and comfort will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Gospel Mission, Rod’s House, or Camp Hope.