James H. Bradley of Laurel passed into the arms of Jesus on Sept. 7, 2021 surrounded by family and friends. Jim was born Dec. 10, 1952 in Salisbury. He was the son of William and Elizabeth (Cordrey) Bradley. Jim was a graduate of Laurel High School’s class of 1971. Throughout his life he was employed by Bordons Ice Cream, Phillips Technologies Airpax, Century Seals, and finally he served as Bridge Tender for the state of Delaware on the Nanticoke River.
He dedicated his life to serving the youth of his community with Boy Scouts of America and his church. Joining scouting in 1983 and remaining active until his passing, he received multiple awards for his dedication and service while holding many positions, including: Troop 90 Assistant Cub Master, Troop 90 Scout Master (16 years), Troop 90 Unit Commissioner, District Commissioner, Camp Master at Henson Scout Camp, 1988 Scouting Family Award, 1989 Philmont Scout Ranch Troop 90, 1991 Wood Badge Bob White, 1991 District Award of Merit, 1996 High Adventure Del-Mar-Va Council Contingent Philmont Scout Ranch, 1997 Silver Beaver Award, and the Founder’s Award National Order of the Arrow Committee BSA. One of his proudest moments and achievements was that under his leadership 16 young men received the rank of Eagle Scout including his son George and grandson James.
Jim was an active member of Odd Fellows Charity Lodge 27 of Laurel. He was active as a youth leader at Christ United Methodist Church and remained active after their merger with Centenary United Methodist Church. Jim enjoyed his time as a roller hockey coach and playing hockey with his son and bowling in several leagues with his daughter. One of his greatest pleasures was riding his motorcycle and especially his trips with friends Chet, Kim, Eddie and Jim. You could count on him for pictures as his camera was always with him. Another passion was his model train display and sharing it with everyone to enjoy, especially children.
He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents, Harold and Katherine (Collins) Cordrey and Marion and Frances (Morris-Outten) Bradley. He is survived by wife Lynne; daughter Wendy (Mike) Lowe; son George (Amanda) Bradley; grandchildren James (Ashley) Gschwandtner, Allison (Zac) LeCates, Kristen (Matthew) Wigglesworth, Dylan Bradley, Dorothy-Lynne Bradley, Phillip (Cristina) LeBarron; great-grandchildren Lily and Mya Gschwandtner, Karaline and Kennedy Wigglesworth, and Chloe LeBarron; brother Joseph (Charlene) Bradley; sister-in-law Laurie (Donald) Balent and Lisa (Joey) Salerno; several nephews and nieces; sisters in heart Maxine (Jerry) Lynch, Cheryl Workman, and Jennifer Schweitzer.
Jim’s family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to George, Maria and the staff of Laurel Pizzeria, for their hospitality, his favorite place to eat; and TidalHealth Oncology Department staff especially Dr. DeRidder, Bethany, and Lisa Shirtslinger. Due to a concern we are taking COVID-19 precautions putting your health and safety first. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 16 at the Connection Church, 28714 Seaford Road, Laurel, Delaware 19956 at 1 p.m. Reverend Dean Perdue and Reverend Fred Duncan will officiate. Masks as well as social distancing will be required while inside. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel.
In lieu of flowers donations are requested to: Troop 90, Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, c/o Mary DeZarn, 816 S. Central Ave., Laurel, Delaware 19956.