James Bradin Obituary

James W. Bradin SUN CITY, FL - It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of James W. Bradin, 85, Colonel, U.S. Army Retired. The family was able to be with him in his final moments and we now reflect on his life. Jim was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina, the son of Benjamin M. Bradin and Anna Bower Bradin. He moved to post-war Berlin with his parents as a young child, where, among many other adventures, Jim was the first American dependent to become an Eagle Scout in Germany. This led to him taking an active role in the Boy Scouts for many, many years. As Jim grew into a rebellious teenager, his parents thought it best to send him to the Carlisle Military Academy in Bamberg, South Carolina. During his time at Carlisle, he met a girl from Orangeburg (SC) who would forever change his life. Upon graduation from Carlisle, he enrolled in The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina. Jim loved The Citadel and the military program, but he was having a little too much fun and found it difficult to fit in time for studying. In 1958 -- by the grace of God --Jim graduated from The Citadel with a degree in history and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Thankfully, he was, by now, well adapted to wearing the limited wardrobe of uniforms! During his time at The Citadel, he began to date that lovely young girl from Orangeburg, our mother, Jervey Gramling. In June of 1958, Jim made the best decision of his life when he married Jervey and they began a journey that would last for 62 years. In his words, "She is a saint. God blessed me so, by talking that lady into sharing my wild and wooly life." Over the next 30 years, Jim and Jervey moved to military bases all over the US, as well as Germany. In 1980, as fate would have it, Jim returned to The Citadel. He was assigned as the PMS, Professor of Military Science, followed by Commandant of Cadets. He would later serve on the Board of Visitors. Jim dedicated himself to his military career, but also made time for his family and community. He enjoyed sailing and camping with the family - dragging them along even when they did not want to go...he always encouraged his children to challenge themselves. Throughout his career, Jim was awarded 4 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze Stars with V device, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 22 Air Medals, the Purple Heart, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, and 2 Legions of Merit. On 14 September 2020, Jim Bradin was given his final assignment to Fiddler's Green, where he was reunited with his fellow cavalrymen. His service to his family and nation was one of total commitment - he never did anything halfway. He was an avid boater, military historian, and published author. He is survived by his wife, Jervey, his three children, James Bradin (Regina), Jr., Stuart Bradin (Kelly), and Michelle Holtzclaw (James), 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Jim will be cremated and, upon the passing of Jervey, they will be buried together in the Beaufort National Cemetery. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Sep. 19 to Sep. 20, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Bradin

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Jim Bradin, a gentleman you could always count on through thick and thin. He was all about making people, such as soldiers and cadets, winners in life. He set the example in all aspects of life from being a man of devote faith, a great family man, a fantastic leader. He was always an inspiration and still is.

Hugh B. Tant III

September 14, 2021

Jervey, it is with great sadness reading of the passing of Jim.
From the very first moment meeting Jim there was an invisible
bond of understanding. Starting with Grafenwöhr, Ft. Hood,
Bad Vibel and Beaufort, South Carolina. Short moments in our
life time, but something to remember of Jim and his family.
May he rest in well deserved peace.

Karl H Stephan

Served In Military Together

May 3, 2021

Best boss I ever had. The world is a sadder place without him.

John D Powell COL (ret)

Friend

November 11, 2020

Thank you Colonel Bradin for your service to this wonderful country, in addition, to being an amazing teacher and mentor. Colleen Bible

Colleen Bible

September 29, 2020

Rest easy, Sir. God bless you and your family.

Glenn

September 27, 2020

I regret not knowing Jim better. But I know Jervey who was my college classmate. I remember how much in love she was with Jim at Columbia College. She and aNd Jim were a perfect match and shared a wonderful life. My sincere sympathy to Jervey and the entire family. God be with you in this difficult time. The obit was a great tribute to Jim.

Barbara Courtney Thomas

September 25, 2020

From the Starry Family to the Bradin Family -
I listed "family" as my relationship because I know my folks Donn and Letty Starry would have listed themselves as family. They aren't here to deliver their message of love, admiration, and sadness with Jimmy's passing. So Im doing it for them. I have heard many stories of the great times that Jim, Jervey and my folks had serving together... all were truly family. Im sure Dad is at the bar in Fiddler's Green and Mom is there having a small scotch! ... they will surely welcome Jim and they are sending all their love to Jervey and family at this difficult time.
I first met LTC Bradin (maybe Major at the time) when he and Dad were headed to Israel after the 1973 War to gather lessons learned for GEN Abrams. I was a rookie LT in an artillery battalion in Friedberg Germany, and they used this opportunity to come terrorize me. We went to a great Greek restaurant in Bad Nauheim, had a fine dinner and drank too much Oozo!! Every time I visited Mom and Dad I always looked forward to seeing the Bradins!!
May God bless this great soldier and his family!

COL (R) Mike Starry
Williamsburg VA

Mike Starry

Family

September 25, 2020

A terrific officer, courageous warrior and exceptional human being. I valued his wisdom and counsel.
Allons!

Joe Eszes

Acquaintance

September 24, 2020

I join in the sorrow at Jim's passing. I got to know him through a fellow friend and '58 Classmate, Andy Kennedy. Thanks to his family for sharing him with The Citadel family. RIP Jim. Richard Chalk '74

September 23, 2020

Amazing man and soldier. Positive impact on more lives than anyone I've ever known. RIP.

Brinson

Student

September 23, 2020

Jim Bradin was a leader. He hounded on me for three years to take an Army contract. He called me in his office one day and asked me why I was throwing my life away after graduation...when there was clearly a better choice for me. During that meeting I told him I didn't like him very much. He asked why? I said you are always walking around with that big stick, (Mattock Handle) like you are a real tough guy...he smiled and said Lucille, well she is real special to me, because she saved my life. After he told me what happened on the battlefield, I had no choice but to join.

I thank Jim Bradin every day for his leadership and for seeing something in me. My deepest condolences to the entire family. We lost a great Ambassador to The Citadel. As Jim was a great Cavalryman I thought it was fitting to use another great Cavalryman's quote:

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. GSP

Michael Player

Friend

September 22, 2020

Dear Mrs. Bradin and family.
We send our deepest condolences and our respect and admiration for Colonel Bradin. As Cadets he shaped us as future leaders. He held high standards but had a soft spot for Cadets and his Alma Mater.
We were blessed to have known him.
Very Respectfully,
Preston McLaughlin and family.
Citadel Class of 1983

Preston McLaughlin

Student

September 21, 2020

Good man and a great family I had the fortune to cross paths with several times from childhood to adulthood. He will be missed. God bless you all.

Lou Rago (COL, USA Ret.)
Frankfurt American H.S.'85
The Citadel '89

Louis B. Rago, II

Acquaintance

September 21, 2020

James, Stuart, Missy and Mrs. Bradin. Please except my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Colonel Bradin. He was a great leader, Mentor, and friend. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please find strength in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

John Gamby

Friend

September 21, 2020

Colonel "Big Jim" Bradin was the best boss I ever had. He was the real deal-honest to a fault; committed to his duty as an Army senior leader; the epitome of being a husband and father; he could make a boring meeting come alive and always challenged us to make a good difference everyday--just the best of the best. As the Germans would say, he was a "Stimmungskanone" the life of the party or in any situation for that matter--war or peace! Every morning when you would see him; he would pointedly ask, "What are you doing for your Country today?" You had better have a good answer. He was a terrific role model for all of us. No question he walked the walk. He was after all a true blue Citadel Man and a hard-chargin' Cavalryman! If he told you to run through a hail of fire and knock down a brick wall, you would unhesitatingly do it because you knew Colonel Jim Bradin would be leading the way. All of us were honored to know him and serve under him. We all thanked the Lord he had his beautiful Jervey by his side to keep him focused. We will miss you Colonel Big Jim. Please make a place for all of us in Heaven.

BG Hugh B. Tant III

Served In Military Together

September 20, 2020

I so enjoyed getting to know Jim when my late husband Bill Risher, a Bamberg native, was Chairman of the Board, at the Citadel. Bill was very fond of Jim as they both had deep love for the Citadel and the opportunities it gave them.

My thoughts are with you as you go through missing and grieving for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sylvia Risher Hahn

Sylvia Hahn

Friend

September 20, 2020

Condolences to Jervey and all of Jim's family. Jim and I shared a desk at the US Army's Command & General Staff College. Jim's professionalism as a soldier's soldier was apparent in all he did. Equally important was his wonderful sense of humor. Jim also became a friend and supporter of our son, COL Nick P. Chronis, US Army (Ret.), (Citadel, '88), who retired recently after 30 years of honorable service in the US Army.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Nick
Nicholas N. Chronis
LTC, US Army (Ret.)

Nicholas N. Chronis

Served In Military Together

September 20, 2020

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