James "Harvey" Bradford, Sr.

Age 88, of Lewes, DE, formerly of Claymont, DE, passed away Aug. 13, 2009, at Regal Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, in Hockessin, DE.

Jim was born in Wilmington, DE, to the late George and Cecelia (Maguire) Bradford.

Jim served his country during WWII as a Corpsman in the US Navy from 1942 until 1949 and continued service in the US Army as a Sergeant through 1950.

Jim retired from the Iron Workers Local Union 451 in Elsmere, DE, after 27 years of service. Prior to that, he worked as a welder at Sun Ship and Westinghouse in Essington, PA. Jim also drove buses for Charlie Wertz in Marcus Hook, PA, the city of Chester, PA, and drove car transports and tanker trucks.

Jim loved to drive around the country with his wife, Elaine, and they were able to visit 49 of the 50 states. Their favorite place was the Grand Teton Mountains and Lake Louise in Wyoming. Jim was known to his family and friends as a man of unending jokes and stories. He enjoyed singing and had a beautiful voice even into his mid-80's. He was a member of the Grand Dads singing group in Lewes, and he also sang in shows with the Cape Henlopen Senior Center in Rehoboth Beach. As a young man, Jim had the opportunity to sing in clubs in New York City and Philadelphia.

Jim was member of the Harrington Moose Lodge 534, where he held several officer positions. He was a charter member of the Elks Lodge in Rehoboth, and was a member of the Horse Island Rod and Gun Club, also known as the Shanty, a private club in Lewes. He was also a member of St. Peter Episcopal Church in Lewes.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elaine; his son, Lawrence; his sisters, Sis and Vera; his brothers, John, Joseph, and Stewart. He is survived by his daughters, Lois Nowell (Alex) of Middletown, DE, and Vicki Bennett (Steve) of Rising Sun, MD; his sons, James, Jr., (Pat) of Portland, OR, Robert (Ruth) of Bear, DE, Joseph (Pat) of Lincoln, DE; his sister, Marie, of Quincy, MA, 22 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Sat., Aug. 29, 2009, at 11:30 am at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 2431 Frazer Rd., Newark, DE 19702.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 702B Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19805

Krienen-Griffith
994-9614
www.delawarefuneral.com