Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

James Albert Bradley

FUNERAL HOME

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary

1010 Mooty Bridge Road

LaGrange, Georgia

James Bradley Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

MR. JAMES ALBERT (JIM)BRADLEY 71, of LaGrange, died Saturday, June 11, 2005 at West Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Bradley was born on October 23, 1933 at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He lived a life filled with music. He graduated from Brown High School in Atlanta and received degrees in music education from the University of Southern Mississippi and VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. He served three years in the United States Army and played in the Third Army Band, Third Division Band, and Naval School of Music. Throughout his distinguished career he touched many lives and made sure there was plenty of beautiful music for everyone to enjoy. From 1957 until 1960, Mr. Bradley taught band at Oak Grove School in Mississippi. From 1960 until 1970, he taught band and orchestra at Therrell High School in Atlanta, where he served as Chairman of the Music Department. During that time, he also directed the S.W. Atlanta Elementary Band and served as Marching Band Director at Georgia Tech. In 1970, Mr. Bradley became the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Westminster Schools in Atlanta and served as Department Chairman. In 1980, he moved to Cobb County Schools where he was the Band and Orchestra Director at Osborne High School in Smyrna. In 1999, after 42 years, Mr. Bradley retired. During his 42 years of service in music education, Mr. Bradley played oboe in various groups including the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Band of Atlanta, Theater of the Stars, Jackson Symphony, Lincoln Symphony, National Art Gallery Symphony, Mobile Symphony, Birmingham Symphony, and performed as a soloist for many civic organizations. He is the past State Instrumental Chairman for the Georgia Music Educators Association and past President for 2 terms of Phi Beta Mu, National Banndmasters Fraternity. He was also a member of MENC, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, American School Band Directors Association, and the College Band Directors Association. Mr. Bradley was a band clinician and festival adjudicator throughout the southeast. His bands have performed for Presidents Johnson and Nixon, GMEA Convention, NAIS Convention, America on Parade, Disney Productions, and many more local and national events. They have also appeared on local and national television many times. During his career, his bands have made 43 superior ratings and 18 excellent ratings. In 2001, Mr. Bradley retired to LaGrange to spend time with his grandchildren. Mr. Bradley is survived by his wife, Constance Burch Bradley; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Dean Blinkhorn and Kathy and Robert Kirby; three grandchildren, Allyson Blinkhorn, Katie Kirby, and Charlie Kirby; one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Hans Steele; one brother-in-law, Rev. Dalton and Ann Gay Burch, ten nieces and nephews, and many music friends and students. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2005 at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Douglas DeCelle and Rev. Dalton Burch officiating. The family will be at their home and will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The family respectfully requests that all flowers be omitted and those desiring may contribute to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 6744, Columbus, GA 31917-6744 in memory of Mr. Bradley. Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA. (706) 884-8636.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jun. 14, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bradley

Sponsored by Joey.

67 Entries

Dana CHAPMAN

June 8, 2020

Think of him often especial when I here the music we played when I was a student. Found the copies of the 2 records we made in 1964 and 1965 recently. Miss him all the time . Dana Langford Chapman class of 1965 THS

dana CHAPMAN

June 9, 2019

Mr B was the greatest of my teachers at THS. I will never for get him, his wonderful family that supported us and his ability to care about each of the members of the band and how we grew musically under is guidance.

Rick Norton

August 30, 2009

The music "South" started going through my head tonight in response to my 16 year old son's football game Friday night. I decided to Google Jim Bradley though I never met him. I was an 8th grader at Therrell in 1967. I went to my first pep rally and heard them play "South" and saw Mr.Bradley directing. I was awed.
I was told by David Belle Isle that Mr.Bradley wrote it.
Though I never knew Mr.Bradley or you, his family , the music still rings in my heart and memory. I just wanted to say thanks and God bless you all.
Hebrews 13:8

In Christ

Rick Norton

William Hammett

July 12, 2007

Connie, I knew Jim when we were students at Southern Mississippi nack in 1958-60. I remember him as a friendly, talented person. His dad, Charles, brought his East Atlanta Elementary Band to Hattiesburg for a concert and really embarrassed us. It was incredible how goo those "little kids" could play. I was fortunate to have a couple of them in my band at Floyd Jr. High in Mableton, GA in the mid-60's. I was the band director at South Cobb H.S. (1965-67) and got to know the wonderful, dedicated directors in that area. (I even got a flute lesson once, in Valdosta, GA from his mother, Beverly.) I found a recording at the Brunswick, GA Good Will store yesterday (7-11-07)of the 1968-69 Therrell HS Band. How pleased and surprised I was to see his name as the director, since I hadn't heard of him since I left Southern in 1960.
My sympathy to you and your family.
Willie Hammett
St. Simons Island, GA

Jennie Bowen Hicks

July 16, 2005

My most sincere condolences to the family of James A. Bradley, my band director for four years at Therrell High School. In addition to being a fantastic band director and musician, he was a very kind and sensitive soul and had a great sense of humor. Band was my favorite subject and the only thing I really missed after high school. He will always be my and Vicki's favorite teacher! I know he will be sorely missed by many. Thanks, Mr. B., for everything! Your legend will certainly live on. Love, Jennie

Arlene Witte

July 11, 2005

Dear Connie and Family,

I've just now learned of Jim's passing,and I want to share with you my love and appreciation for that giant of a man, Jim Bradley. To a young orchestra teacher in Cobb County, Jim was an enlighted, generous colleage--encouraging me along, and respecting me as a colleage though I'm sure he'd forgotten more than I had learned! As the years went by, Jim was an inspiration, choosing to teach students self-respect, discipline, community,and--always--musicianship

. He expected lots from his students, and showed them how to produce their very best. Then he supported that success until the next day, when he gave them their next challenge.

His professionalism was boundless--an excellent planner, wise decision-maker, steady and sure despite chaos around him, caring, sensitive, and--always--musical. I learned so much from simply being around him.

Imagine my good forture to then be able to work with his wife! As an administrator, I observed you demonstrate impeccable professionalism at every turn. You were the one who got the job done--excellently--when so many others offered excuses to fail. Through you, I got to keep up with Jim, and in you I saw, once again, what a quintessential music educator was all about. Together, you and Jim were models to me and so many others.

Of the many great gifts of my career as a music educator, working with Jim and you counts as one of the best. Thank you for sharing Jim with so many of us over the years, and thank you for being the beautiful human being you are. God bless you and your family.

Arlene Witte

Atlanta, GA

Robert Litton

June 30, 2005

To the Bradley Family,

I was one of Kathy's students at Chestnut Log. She impacted my life in a way no one else ever has. Being an adult now, I know that alot of who she is a direct representation of her parents. I had the honor of seeing Jim many times. He treated a skinny kid like me with the utmost repect. His love for his students and music inspired me to be a band director. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thanks Jim, for being an inspiration to all of us.

Ann Downs Sikes

June 29, 2005

I also was saddened to hear of Mr. Bradley's death but after reading the article I was glad that he had had such a full life.

Since then, I've thought a lot about those days in the 60's and the part Mr. Bradley played in shaping our lives.

I saw him every day for the four years I was at Therrell High School. His 'presence' commanded our respect. To me, he was somewhat formidable, austere---reminded me of Humphrey Bogart. He expected perfection and therefore we strove for that end. I remember once how he smiled at the cutoff of a piece we were rehearsing and I knew he was satisfied. That was a proud moment. And then the spell was broken and it was hurry to get to another class and another teacher whose name I cannot even remember.

I realize now that the whole experience of band had such an impact on my life. The friends made, the camaraderie, the carpooling to football games, memories....

I learned to set goals and develop self-discipline; to continue to work (even if only slow strides were made) until that goal was met. Those are the kind of lessons learned that helped me get through the difficult parts of life that we all go through.

I am grateful that he was there. I have lived long enough now to know that kind of commitment to one's profession sometimes comes with the cost of time given to one's family. I hope that he was able to balance his responsibilities such that no sacrifice was made. It sounds as if he may have been successful in that respect. In any case, thank you to his family who shared him with the rest of us and the blessings that we received from our Band experience.

Grace Fuller

June 24, 2005

As a student at Therrell High School (class of '66) it's impossible to think of those years without remembering how much our school band was a part of the life of our class. I have such wonderful memories of our the pep rallies where we all rocked out to "South" until he and the band got sick of playing it. I also had the privilege of attending some of the GA Tech football games and enjoying the marching band under Mr. Bradley's direction. He has touched thousands of lives and shared his passion of good music. What a legacy!

Cindy Kearns

June 23, 2005

My most heartfelt sympathy to the Bradley family. Mr. Bradley was and will forever be my favorite teacher. He was my band director at Therrell High School for 4 years. I learned alot about music from him, but he taught me more about life. For that I will always be grateful.

(THS Class of '71)

Karen Bennett-Milton

June 21, 2005

Mrs. B and family,

My deepest sympathy to all of you as you go through this time of loss.

I attended OHS, graduating in '87 as a "transplant" student from Ohio. It was his example of leadership and character that the students learned from - it showed as the seniors took me under wing and "adopted" me right in. I will always cherish my 2 years at OHS because of the influence and lessons taught by Mr. B. He had a way of teaching us to teach others. Mr. B pushed us to push ourselves - always expect more, do your best, and then relax about it and have some fun. After all that hard work - it was always great to hear his laughter - it was always terrific to see that look of approval for a job well done followed by his laughter. (Expecially when listening to those hours of evaluation tapes from exhibition or competition).

Kathy, I know you have such fond memories of your Dad. I know our band was a small part of your time with him - I remember you putting us through our paces as you practiced for DM activities. It must have been such a joy to have had that opportunity to work with your Dad.

Blessings to you all,

Bill & Helen Pharris

June 19, 2005

Connie -

Helen & I only learned of Jim's deaht today (June 19). We certainly feel your sorrow. I am fortunate to have been associated with Jim since 1960 when he first camed to Therrell High School. He and I often had the opportunity to work on several projects and programs together. I feel so fortunate to have had those opportunities - Jim was always upbeat and was never without a good joke! Helen and I send our sincerest condolences and prayers.

Bill and Helen Pharris

Shirley Woodson

June 18, 2005

Dear Connie,

We did not hear of Jim's passing until today ( June 17,2005. (I have been out of town. I can not express how deeply we feel your sorrow at the passing of such a good and wonderful husband and father. Please give the girls and thier family a hug for me and please call when you have time. I would really like to hear from you. Remember he is not gone from you as long as those postitive memories that you and he shared are alive.

Yours with love,

Shirley Woodson

Pat (Martin) King('66)

June 18, 2005

Dear Mrs. Bradley and family. I was blessed to have the 2 yrs I was at THS w/Mr. Bradley and the Pride Of Atlanta Band. Because of his wonderful ability to encourage us how to "feel" the music and understand what it was about has continued w/me to this day. I still remember w/fond memories the half-time shows(I was a majorette and played clarinet 64-66)and the competitions. I remember how through him and our desire to "feel" the music tears would flow from my eyes toward the end of the performance as we knew we had done the best we could do and that was always the "Superior" ratings we would get. It was like everyone wanted to do it for Mr. "B" yet in the end it was for us..He was such an encourager and my daughter and niece used my clarinet through their band endeavors as well, but did not have anywhere as good a teacher as I had. I pray God's peace and blesing to you all as you reflect on the wonderful life of your husband and dad.

Carol Strong Matthews

June 17, 2005

Bradley Family,

As you already know Mr. Bradley was a very special person. I was not in the the band but was so proud of the the title "Pride of Atlanta" One didn't have to be in band for Mr. Bradley to know you, in the first years of Therrell everyone knew everyone. I still have the red 78 album the band made. He wrote our Alma Mater and our fight song, those words are still beautiful today.

May your memories comfort you.

Carol Strong Matthews "65 THS

Ben Harrison

June 17, 2005

I was very saddened to hear of Mr. Bradley's recent passing, but was flooded with fond memories of high school band (OHS 86-89). I am honored to have been a student of his and will always consider him a great musical mentor.

Janet Greene Celko

June 17, 2005

To Jim Bradley's Family,

I was so sorry to hear of Mr. B's passing. I was a flutist in the Therrell High Band from 1961-1966. He really instilled a love of music in me that has been passed down to my child and I got to have my stint as a band parent. I always wondered why their half shows were never as good as the ones we put on, now I know it is because we were the best! Even now, every time I hear the 1812 overture, my fingers start runnning through the notes and I know when the explosions will come. Band and Mr. B taught me many life lessions that have stood me well in my professional career. Thank You so much for everything! Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dianne Greene

June 16, 2005

A good cry first,and now my sincerest sympathies to the family of Jim Bradley. He was a special man who graced our lives with the sounds of music and joy!

His influence has remained with me for over 30 years and I know that I am blessed to have known him and learned in his presence.And there is no greater gift on earth than the love and appreciation of music!

I'm sure that my ear was educated by the daily sessions in the band room of THS, and my heart was opened by the man who led us to that place that waits to be touched by emotion!

My happiest days in school were in his band and my happiest memories from that time gather round him.

It was an honor and privilege to know him and learn from the best!

For me, he will remain in the music

of my life!

God bless and keep all who knew and loved him.

Becky Burch Oosting

June 16, 2005

Dear Aunt Connie, Karen, and Kathy,

I am so saddened at the news of Uncle Jim's passing. My memories of him are of a warm, loving man who loved to make people laugh and to be their best. I know you are very proud of his memory, and of all the joy he brought to this world during his lifetime. I loved him, and I love you too. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love always, Becky

Cheryl (Foster) Larson

June 16, 2005

Dear Connie and family,

I am so very sorry to hear about Mr. Bradley's death. I attended Therrell High School and was under his leadership for 5 of the most blessed years I ever had. I know what music did for his life. He will be truly missed and always remembered.

Sincerely,

Cheryl (Foster) Larson THS of 1966

Deborah (Denton) Marker

June 16, 2005

To Connie, Kathy and Karen,

I was truly saddened to here of Jim's passing. I loved working for Jim as his Color Guard Sponsor for 9 years with the band at OHS and I also enjoyed working alongside him as a fellow educator at Osborne High School. He had a wonderful sense of humor and he could always make me laugh! I will never forget all of the practices, games, pep rallies, competitions and trips with your entire family and the bands at Osborne High School. My participation in all of those events was made possible by Jim and the support of his loved ones and to you all, I owe a wealth of memories and experiences that have taught me so much about working with students and about the importance of enjoying life. May God Bless you during this time and may you find peace in knowing that he is still "making music" in heaven. Love always, "Debbo"

Patti (Rice) Deavours

June 16, 2005

Dear Bradley family,

I played flute in the Therrell High School Pride of Atlanta Band, 1966-1967. I thought my world had ended when my parents moved and I had to change schools and bands. Mr. Bradley was an awesome teacher and I still have so many happy memories of being a part of his band. I have the utmost respect and admiration for him. Even during the years afterward, I would occasionally see him and he always remembered my name.

My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. May your love and memories of such a wonderful husband, father, musician and educator comfort you during this difficult time.

I bet the good Lord has him leading the heavenly orchestra right now!

Buddy Tidwell

June 16, 2005

A finer man has not lived with more dedication and personal drive. My time with Mr.Bradley(as I will always think of him) was at Therrel High School as a Trombonist where I graduated in '71.His sense of leadership is evident in his many accomplishments, but I am sure his greatest sense of pride came in his family,where it should be. We all reflect now and and are thankful to have been part of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Lynda Price Baxter

June 16, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the Bradley family. I was a student at Therrell in 1962 and Mr. Bradley was my eighth grade music appreciation teacher. I loved being in his class. I remember so clearly at the end of the year we had to give a report and I did my report on Orchestras. He was an incredible teacher and I remember he always had a smile. He was by far the best band director ever and the half time shows at Therrell's football games were truly outstanding.

May God comfort your family and give you the peace that passes all understanding. May knowing of the many lives Mr. Bradley blessed be a source of comfort to you also.

Sincerely,

Susie Ferrell McCravy

June 15, 2005

To the Bradley family:

You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow. However, I do hope that you rejoice in knowing how very many lives Mr. Bradley has influenced during his career due to his personality, dedication, sense of humor, and energy. I was a clarinet/contra-bass clarinet player under Mr. Bradley from 1968-1971 at Therrell High School and many of my fondest memories from that time are band related. I did not pursue music as a career but I still play clarient and bass clarinet in my church orchestra. May God bless and comfort you. Mr. Bradley will surely be missed!

Carol Farlow West

June 15, 2005

Sorry to hear of your loss, I remember Mr Bradley from Therrell High School.

Carol (Farlow) West

Renee (Belle Isle) Green

June 15, 2005

Dear Mrs. Bradley: We are so sorry for your lost. We had ten years of wonderful memories from Therrell. Our family began with Mr. Bradley his first year at Therrell and there was always a BelleIsle (all five of us) in the band from his first year there until his last. I was one of his oboe players (all nine that last year) and a majorette. My mother Gwen lives with me now, she was band booster president so many years. Most of our kids played musical instruments in school and two are music majors. The gift of music is passed from generation to generation. Your family will be in our prayers.

Kay (Eades) Born

June 15, 2005

The memories of "The Pride of Atlanta" Therrell High School Band are very special. Mr. Bradley pushed us to always be the best. I am forever grateful to him for the 5 years spent with that special group of musicans and friends.

James Yancey

June 15, 2005

Dear Mrs. Bradley, Karen and Kathy. I was a drummer in Mr. Bradley's band and orchestra during my entire career at Westminster Schools. I would not be the person I am today without his influence. My sincerest condolances and prayers go out to you during this trying time.

Debbie Gamble

June 15, 2005

Dear Mrs. Bradley,

If it hadn't been for band and orchestra in high school, my life would have been far less rich. I loved it all - the practices, performances, football games, pep rallies, and trips. Mr. Bradley was a great encourager - I'm 51 years old and still play my flute! I'm praying for the Lord's sweet comfort for you and your loved ones.

Debbie (Smith) Gamble - Therrell High School, Class of 1970

Jerri Freeman-Landrum

June 15, 2005

Mrs. Bradley, Karen, and Kathy, I was a student under Mr.B at Therrell High School and he was truly my inspiration to be the best I could be whether it be music or anything else I tried to do. I think he instilled that in all of us in "The Pride of Atlanta" and that was the reason we all loved and respected him so. I have tried to keep in touch with him over the years but had not talked to him since 1999. I was so excited when we planned the band reunion last year, but we were all so disappointed that he couldn't be with us. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jerri Freeman

Kathryn Hurd (Hoover)

June 15, 2005

Thanks to Mr.B.and my years in THE PRIDE OF ATLANTA, my Love for marching bands & music is great. My fond memories of practice, music, practice, band trips, practice, football games, practice, festivals, practice, the rivialry against Forest Park, practice, concerts, practice, friends, practice,fund raisers, practice, etc... all prove he was a wonderful music educator!I loved every minute of it! He knew how long & how hard to push to get the best from the best-that's what he always told us. God Bless him & his family.

Patsy Ferrell-Meyer

June 15, 2005

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Bradley's passing. I was a clarinet player in the THS band from 1968-1971. Mr. Bradley's passion for music inspired me to choose music education as my career. I have been teaching elementary music for 30 years, and have continued to perform in community bands and orchestras. Mr. Bradley was truly my inspiration. Patsy Ferrell Meyer

Gary Markham

June 15, 2005

Jim was one the true music educators in our midst and a mentor to many of us over his 40+ year career as a band director. His first priority was always his students and their needs personally and educationally. Jim gave of himself unselfishly and always had time to chat, express appreciation to others, and show genuine personal concern for us all. We will all miss him, his fatherly insight, and his joke

Susan Beaver

June 15, 2005

Mrs. Bradley, I was in the THS Pride of Atlanta Band under your husband. He was a phenomenal man, a great musician and influenced my life in lots of ways - but most of all by encouraging my love of music. While I don't play flute anymore, I do still love music, still love to watch a good half-time show (none seem to be as good as ours), and always remember the wonderful memories from studying under Mr. Bradley. I'm sorry he wasn't able to come to Therrell last year for our little reunion - it would have been wonderful to have seen him again. May God bless and comfort you and your family.

Stewart Bird

June 15, 2005

Karen and Family,

I'm sorry for your loss and hope your memories bring you comfort. Your father touched so many people's lives through music - it's a beautiful gift he could share with us.

I'm very thankful he was part of my life for 8 years of Westminster Band in the 1970's. The excitement and love of drums and music he shared with me then is one of the reasons I still play today. I am very grateful for all he did.

He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Stewart Bird

Westminster Class of 1979

Lenn (Steed) Reed

June 14, 2005

Mrs.Bradley,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these first hard days of loss. Please know that the prayers for blessings and peace will continue in the days to follow. Connie, the 5 years I spent with you,(1963-68) in chorus and especially ensemble were just about the best times I had in high school. You helped me find a joy in choral music that has lasted a lifetime. The positive influence that you and Mr.Bradley had in the lives of young people in southwest Atlanta can never be matched.

Please know that you are thought of often and remembered with love.

Jennifer Burkhalter

June 14, 2005

Mr. Bradley was a wonderful band director and will be greatly missed! I enjoyed learning from him. You are all in my prayers! God Bless!!! (OHS '98)

Paula Spicer

June 14, 2005

Mrs. Bradley: My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. You were such a positive influence in my life - both in A Chorus and Advanced Mixed at SW. The summer prior to 8th grade, I studied oboe (in addition to clarinet) with Mr. Bradley for the SW Band. I remember each of you with sincere fondness. May the memories of your long life together sustain you in the days to come.

Paula Johnson Spicer

Southwest High School '69

Joey Morgan

June 14, 2005

Mr Bradley was one of the greatest men I have ever known. I first met him when I went to South Cobb High School and he judged me for the GHP auditions. I first got to know him in 1989 as I began a long and beloved time working on his Band Staff at Osborne High School. The man worked miracles with the students there. It is thanks to him that I became and am now a Band Director. I learned more about teaching music from him than ever I did in college.

He is also whom I have called my second father since 1989. We grew very close over the years and he always was there to help me professionally and personally... and I know he will be looking down from heaven still caring about us all. Mrs. Bradley, Kathy, Karen... I hold you dear to my heart and I know we'll all see him again one day. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Heaven just added a great oboe player and teacher to the Orchestra!

Joey Morgan

Chapel Hill High School

Denise Black

June 14, 2005

I was saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Bradley. Two of my daughters, Jennifer(98) and Brittany(99) Burkhalter, were both students of his at Osborne High School. We were a part of his retirement celebration. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with Mr. Bradley while serving the booster club. Mr. Bradley was always patient with the students and was an awesome leader and role model. He showed great patience with the parents as well. He was a special part of our lives and is always remembered with laughter. Of course, the girls have refused to eat at Shoney's since they have graduated from high school. =) Too many visits to Shoney's on the many band trips throughout the years. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you all in this time of sadness. With love,

Denise

Rocky Swann

June 14, 2005

Jim and I taught together at OHS for a number of years. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great inspiration to students and teachers alike and he will be missed. Rocky Swann

Dana Langford Chapman

June 14, 2005

Mrs. Bradley and family,

Being one of the founding members of the band at Therrell was made so perfect because of Mr B., as were the years under his instruction. We all will miss him. I so enjoyed the talk I had this spring with you and Mr B.

Clarence Lewis

June 14, 2005

Mrs. Bradley,

It was in 1988 that I retired from the Atlanta Public School system, I want you to know that working with you was a wonderful experience. I shall cherish the support that you gave to me and the children of Continental Colony. We extend our condolences during your time of sorrow. May God be with you.

Chris Monroe

June 14, 2005

I am extremely blessed to have known Mr. Bradley, and had the pleasure of working with him and his students as an instructor. He was an incomparable teacher and performer of music who touched counteless lives over his career and life. Mr. Bradley will certainly be missed. My prayers are with you Kathy, Connie, and family during this time of great loss. May God comfort and strengthen you.

Jerry Landers

June 14, 2005

Mrs Bradley

May God Bless and comfort you at this time. My wife Linda and I wish you and your family peace and comfort. As our pastor told us after the loss of a grand son, he was reminded of a note left by someone years ago it read. "Gone for a little while see you soon"

We will all see those who have gone before soon. God Bless

Jerry Landers SWHS class of 65

Phyllis Landstrom

June 14, 2005

Dear Connie,

So sorry to hear about Jim. Be strong and be comforted in the memories of a life you've shared.

I think of you often, and will remember your family in my prayers.

Nina Argo Gibson

June 14, 2005

So very sorry to hear of Mr. Bradley's passing. I did not know him personally, but remember so well the years I spent ('61-66) in Mrs. Bradley's very capable hands while singing in in B Chorus and A Chorus. I often think of those times and still remember many of the songs we did. I pray God will give you much peace during this time.

Brooke Woyar (Natali)

June 14, 2005

I was so lucky to have been a student of Mr. Bradley's at Osborne High School 1994-1998. He was such a wonderful musician and teacher, and I am so fortunate to have learned such wonderful things from him. My deepest sympathy's to Mr. Bradley's family in this time of loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda Hobson-Campbell

June 14, 2005

Mrs. Bradley,

I am sorry you have lost such a great person. Remember, if God brings you to it... He will bring you through it.

Linda Hobson Campbell

Southwest High School

1965

Rudy and Mary Wilson

June 14, 2005

Mary and I had really been impressed with Jim's willingness to take time from his "most important and favorite thing to do" -play with his grandchildren to work on the Zeta Chapter website as the webmaster. I had really enjoyed talking to Jim several times about his new project for which he had so much enthusiasm. I was looking forward to spending some time with this new project and getting to know Jim,this stately gentlemen, who touched the lives of so many people in his life and work.

Jean (Hubbs) Cotton (Class of '68)

June 14, 2005

It's been forty years since Connie Bradley and I crossed paths in the choral program at Southwest High School. I learned so much from you and am still involved in church choirs, singing, and directing. My first thought as I read your husband's long list of successes and achievements was how blessed you were to have been together so long. It must have been an amazing journey for two so intuned with the love of music, and I know you will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gary Leegate

June 14, 2005

Ms. Bradley (as ever), my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, Jim. The very strong lady whom I remember and loved as as chorus master at Southwest High will get over this hurdle, however high, and move on with abundance and joy. My best wishes to you at this time.

Gary Leegate '64

Andy Esserwein

June 14, 2005

Family and Friends of Jim Bradley,

There are not enough words to describe the joy that Jim brought to those of us who knew him. Growing up in Cobb County music programs, I was fortunate to be around him and see the impact he had on his students through his work at Osborne High School. He, along with Alfred Watkins, Gary Gribble, Bob Cowles, and others, made me want to be a teacher. I was fortunate enough to come back and teach in Cobb County, and began to interact with Jim on a professional, then social basis. I always respected his knowledge of music, but I respected his personality and humor even more. I thank God that I knew him, and everyone who ever had the chance to spend a minute with him is a better person for that time.

God Bless you all in this difficult time.

Randy Bostwick

June 14, 2005

I had the honor of singing under the leadership of Connie Bradley from 1963-1966 at Southwest High School. I followed Jim's work until he left Georgia Tech. The example set by both Connie and Jim taught me to respect each and everyone who sings or plays an instrument, regardless of their ability. I graduated with a group of wonderful folks! Duke Boswell, Trudy Howard, Paula Poetter, Patty Abbey, Julia Hastings, John White and many others who owe a tremendous dept to Connie Bradley! God Bless You!

Kent Bicknell

June 14, 2005

To The Jim Bradley Family:

I was a student of Jim's wife, Connie at Southwest High School from 1960-64. My life was blessed by association with her, and I am assured and confident that Jim was a wonderful husband, father, and educator. I send my sympathies and best wishes to Connie and the entire Bradley family during this time of grieving. God bless you all.

Louie Steed

June 14, 2005

Connie we are saddened to learn of your loss. We think of you often. I had no idea yours was a total musical family. The efforts that music teachers put forth bear fruit for many years. In case the years have erased the memories of SW, let me place myself in a frame of reference you should recall- tobacco chewing punishment.

Louie and Claire Phillips Steed

Jean Jones

June 14, 2005

Dear Connie (Mrs. Bradley),

We were so sorry to hear about Jim. His passing is such a great loss, but he leaves such magnificent memories - to so many hundreds of people out here - as do you. We who were priviledged to have been a part of the Southwest Choral program with you as our director have unbelievably fond memories. I know those who were students at Therrell feel the same way about Jim. Thank you and please know we are thinking about you and your family in this time of sorrow.

With heartfelt love,

Jean Jones and Greg Pinson (SW '67)

Mae Jean Burch-Gregg

June 14, 2005

We will always remember Jim for his fabulous sense of humor, and love and devotion to his family. Fun followed him everywhere. His music will complete his legacy to his world.

Dollie Norton

June 14, 2005

Kathy and Family,

Don and I wish to send our deepest sympathy to you at this time. Our thoughts and love go with this message. Sincerely, Dollie

Anna Frick Armstrong

June 14, 2005

I was a student of Connie's at Southwest from 1960-1063. I am so sorry to read of Jim's death - he must have been a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Linda T. Jones

June 14, 2005

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.--Isaiah 41:10

(Connie, I love you. Be encouraged!)

Andrew Poor

June 14, 2005

To Jim's family and many friends.

On behalf of the whole Osborne High School band family, we wish to send our deepest sympathies for your loss. Jim touched so many lives as a person, teacher, musician, and friend and Osborne was very fortunate to have this great teacher and person on its faculty for almost 20 years. I only knew Jim a short time, but his kind-hearted demeanor, perpetual optimisim, and his always present smile are my fondest memories of him. I was so glad that he was able to come this past fall to our competition and present the Jim Bradley award at our event. This was only a small token of appreciation for all that he did for Osborne but one we hope will keep his legacy alive for countless future generations of young musicians. All of us in the Osborne Band family share in your loss and hope that you can find some small comfort in the knowledge that he was a man who made a difference in the lives of so many people. We were all better people for having known him.

With our deepest sympathies,

Andrew Poor

(former Director of Bands)

Osborne High School

Jeffrey Rowser

June 14, 2005

To Bradley Family; My heart and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. We will also feel the lost of Jim, as he brought joy and excitement to so many band directors and students around the the state of Georgia. His humor will be missed, but more so, is love for people, music and especially those grandchildren. Jim often showed his fatherly commitment when bragging often about his daughters and how proud he was of their success. I personally learned how to be a band director and father by Jim's way of life. I will surely miss him.

Jeffrey Rowser

Salem HS Band

Conyers, Georgia

John Ritch

June 14, 2005

Met you in Third Army Band at FORT MAC. and watched over the years as

you became a distinguished

leader in Georgia Music Education.

God Bless you Jimmy.

Roger and Ann Weill

June 14, 2005

We are so saddened and send all of the family our prayers.