James "Jim" Arthur Bradford

On May 4th, 2025, Jim Bradford passed away.  He was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa/great-grandpa, brother and friend.  He was talented, smart, had the capability to tell stories that you could become engulfed in, had a great sense of humor and could bring people together with love.  If you had time, he had a story to share of his many adventures in life.  

Jim grew up in West Texas with his two sisters, Zilla “Gail” and Norma Jean {Jeannie).  Jim was the little brother (who they called “Bub”) and he kept his sisters on their toes.  He learned his hard work ethic from his father Emmett and love for family and creative mindset from his mother, Ora.  

Jim started his military career at age 17 when he decided to pursue a career with the Navy.  He wanted to fly (he earned a private flight license and used it outside of the Navy), but he ended up in nuclear power school which prepared him for 13 years on both diesel and nuclear powered submarines (“The Silent Service”} while earning his dolphins.  He qualified on a diesel boat, the USS Bream 243.  During his service, he also served on the following nuclear submarines:  USS Stonewall Jackson (he was part of the crew that commissioned this boat), the USS Aspro and the USS Sam Rayburn.  He traveled to places far from West Texas and was proud to serve during the Vietnam War.  

Jim also spent 16 total years serving the community as a police officer for Littleton PD, Cherry Hills PD and finally finished as a sergeant at Commerce City PD.  

Jim loved his family near and far and would do anything for them.  He taught his daughters, Patty Ann and Marian Jean to work hard, be confident in all that they do, love unconditionally and don’t take life too seriously, because there’s always time to laugh.  Jim loved his wife Nancy, with all of his heart, and in April they celebrated 61 years of marriage after meeting her and getting married within 6 weeks of their 1st date.  

Even toward the end of his battle with cancer, Jim was concerned for others.  His body was tired but his mind remained sharp and his sense of humor strong and intact to the end.  Jim will be greatly missed by so many and he is now on “Eternal Patrol”  

He is survived by his wife of 61 year, Nancy (Kaselinas) Bradford; his daughter Patty Ann; his grandchildren Austin (and wife Lauren) and Garrett (and great grandsons Shia and Harvest); sisters Gail Green and Jeannie McKim; sister-in-law Marian (Mimi) Kempton and nieces and nephews.  His daughter Marian Jean preceded him in death and is also buried at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.

A funeral service will be held at 9:30 A.M., Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Drinkwine Family Chapel followed by an interment with military honors at Ft. Logan National Cemetery at 11:00 A.M..

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