James Richard Bradham

James “Jimmy” Richard Bradham, Jr.,79, met his Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 6 at MUSC Medical Center, Charleston. He was married to the love of his life, Mary Alice McLeod Bradham for 53 years. Born August 31, 1941 in Sumter County, he was the son of the late James Richard Bradham, Sr. and Lucille Bramlett Bradham. Raised in the Woodrow area of Lee County, Jimmy enjoyed a lifetime as a second-generation farmer working the soil and raising cattle. He also retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a rural carrier and served in the SC National Guard for six years. A 1959 graduate of Ashwood Central High School, he also attended Wofford College where he played baseball and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In his youth, Jimmy was the youngest boy to earn his Eagle Scout award for many decades. He was an alumnus of the Sumter P-15’s and carried on his love of baseball by cheering on his grandson at the perfect spot behind home plate at Riley Park, just to keep the umpire straight. “Jimmy Bird” was an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed these times with family and friends to the fullest. His family joked that one day his obituary would state that he was survived by Bishopville Country Club, where he played countless rounds of golf with dear and cherished friends, where he also served as president of the club for many years. He was recently active with the Pee Dee Senior Golfers Association, Captain’s Choice Golfers Association and many others. A lifetime member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Oswego, he served his Lord and church faithfully in many leadership roles. He was active in many civic and fraternal organizations including Woodmen of the World, Shriners and the Masons for more than 50 years. He served as president of both the South Carolina and the Tri-County Cattlemen’s Associations. Known for his sense of humor and outgoing personality, Jimmy never met a stranger and would help anyone in need. There was no doubt where Jimmy stood, and he was not shy to state his opinion. Although sometimes blunt and maybe not the most eloquent, he would defend his stance, with “Well, it’s true isn’t it?” Jimmy was a master at repairing any type of machinery and equipment, and could engineer anything to get the job done, which usually involved yellow duct tape. More than anything, Jimmy loved spending time with his family and friends. Whether at the family farm, on the water, at the golf course or hunting with friends across the country, he was full of life and made everyone laugh. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Missy Bradham Reese (Ken) and his two sons, Jamey Bradham (Angie) and Chris Bradham, (Sarah); his grandchildren, TJ and William Reese; Lucy and Clif Bradham; Mollie, Emily and Olivia Bradham He was preceded in death by his son, James Richard Bradham, III “Trey.” A funeral service will be held at 2 pm Wednesday at Bethel United Methodist Church in Oswego, officiated by Pastor Tim Whited. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wayne Capell, Wayne Caughman, Tim Dawkins, Wayne Elstrom, Johnny Lollis, and Lewis Thompson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Reggie Caughman, John Fulton, Dr. Clay Lowder, Alex McLeod, Will Wise, and Rufus Wofford. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Tuesday at Elmore Cannon Stephens Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to Bethel United Methodist Church- 5575 Lodebar Road, Sumter, 29153 or Tirzah Church Cemetery Association, 1371 Rembert Church Road, Sumter, SC 29153. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.