James H. Bradley

James H. Bradley 77, of Bedford, died Saturday, June 22, 2024.  He was born On November 9, 1946 in Lilly a son of the late Harold and Charlotte (McCreary) Bradley.  He married Ellen E. Davis on May 13, 1972, at Zion Lutheran Church, in Hollidaysburg, after a providential meeting at her place of employment at the Blair County Cooperative Extension office at Highland Hall in Hollidaysburg.  He is survived by his loving wife, a son Ben Bradley and wife Heather, of Bedford, three daughters Rachel Gutridge and husband Frank, of Dillsburg, Rebekah Prochaska and husband Steve, of Fairfax, IA, and Elizabeth Sabo and husband Zach, of Bedford; five grandchildren: Paige Gutridge, Griffin Bradley, Lily Sabo, Emily Sabo, and Noah Sabo; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by five siblings: Don, Gordon, and Wes Bradley, Beverly Monahan, and Shirley Brosius and husband Frank.  Jim was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He and his brothers were all veterans of the U.S. Army during the Korean or Vietnam Wars.

Jim was a 1964 graduate of Central Cambria High School, in Ebensburg, where he excelled at Basketball.  He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated with high honors from Mount Aloysius Jr. College, in Cresson, in 1976.  Jim was also selected as the outstanding student in the Criminology curriculum.

He served with the US Army Paratroops from 1966 to 1969 and achieved the rank of Sergeant.  That included service with the 101st Airborne Division at Fr. Campbell, KY, the 173rd Airborne Brigade in the Vietnam War, and also with the Airborne Department at Ft. Lee, VA, where he received recognition as the post’s outstanding soldier in May 1968.

Jim served with the Pennsylvania State Police from 1970 to 1996, where he achieved the rank of Captain.  He held a variety of Supervisory and Command positions in Hollidaysburg, Philipsburg, Bedford, Everett, Philadelphia, Highspire, and Harrisburg, where he served on the Command Staff of Commissioners under Glenn Walp and Paul Evanko.  During his service, he received many promotions, awards, and recognitions, including the Legion of Valor Award – Police Purple Heart in 1972.

Jim served as a successful realtor for over 20 years with Coldwell Banker SKS Realty, in Bedford.  He is a past board member of the Allegheny Highlands Association of Realtors and other positions.  Jim was a member of the St. Paul’s Reformed Church, in Cessna, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #57, the Retired State Police Association of Pennsylvania, the American Association of State Troopers, Vietnam Veterans of America, The Bedford County Vietnam Veterans of America, DAV, American Legion, and past member of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Bedford County Patriot’s Tea Party.

Jim enjoyed reading the Bible, military history, hunting, and fishing.  Most of all, he loved spending time with Ellen, his children, and grandchildren, sharing ice cream with them at every opportunity.  Jim loved God, his family, and the United State of America.  The person who most influenced him in his life was his mother.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., at the St. Paul’s Reformed Church, 5543 Business 220, Bedford, with Pastor Ryan Patterson officiating.  Burial at St. Paul’s Church Cemetery, with honors conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard, and Pennsylvania State Police Ceremonial Unit.  Friends will be received on Friday from 9:00 a.m., until the hour of the service at the church.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Jim’s name to your local American Cancer Society Chapter.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.

American Cancer Society
1004 N Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg PA 16648