James "Jim" Arthur Bradley, Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT – James “Jim” Arthur Bradley, Jr., age 78, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Born in Nash County, NC on Christmas Day in 1945, he was the son of the late James Bradley and Annie Shearin Bradley. He was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Bradley; and his sister, Phyllis Bradley Ray. During the early years of his life, Jim assisted on the family farm which he later came to operate and simultaneously worked as a delivery man for Maola Milk. A bit later in life, he co-owned and operated an auto parts store with his son in Whitakers, NC. Alongside of these jobs, he served as a volunteer fireman for many years and eventually as a deacon for Hickory Baptist Church. Jim was a man of great faith and a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed lounging with his cat, watching westerns, telling stories, and spending time with loved ones. He had a remarkable green thumb and was incredibly proud of his garden (his tomatoes especially). He never met a stranger and was always happy to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He is survived by his children, James Arthur Bradley III of Jacksonville, FL, Jackie Bradley Headley (Dave) of Culpeper, VA, and Charley Bass Sills (Josh) of Red Oak; his grandchildren, Kassidy Bradley, Hazel Sills, and Isaac Sills; and other great family and friends. A Funeral Service to celebrate Jim’s Life will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Hickory Baptist Church, 12702 NC Highway 48, Whitakers, NC 27891 with Pastor Wendy Edwards officiating. A visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Hickory Baptist Church. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to Hickory Baptist Church, 12702 NC Highway 48, Whitakers, NC 27891. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.