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James Bradley Obituary
Jim Bradley was born and raised in Las Cruces by a pioneer Las Cruces family. His grandfather, Lee was superintendent of the County School, 1898-1900; grandmother, Mary Woodson and mother Corine were both principals of Grandview Elementary, which was later, renamed Bradley Elementary, then later torn down. His father, Harry was one of among the first Bulldog Booster Club Presidents when Rudy Camunez was the head coach.
James was married to Phyllis Elaine (Longwill) Bradley on September 21, 1956 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. He graduated from LCHS in 1951, received a Bachelor's Degree from NMSU in 1955, and a master's in 1971. He previously coached at Las Cruces High School (1958 – 65) as an Assistant Football and Head Baseball Coach. He then was Head Football Coach at Mayfield High School from 1965 until 1972, with a record of 55-22-6. He was the head football coach at NMSU from 1973-77, with a record of 23-31-1, then the Head Football Coach at Roswell High School from 1980 until 1993 with a record of 123-43-3. He headed back to Mayfield High School as Head Coach in 1994 continued in that position until 2005 with a record of 132-23. His overall coaching record was 310 – 88 – 9 which made him the most winning high school football coach in 2005.
Coach Bradley won numerous awards in coaching. He was named New Mexico Coach of the Year multiple times, served as the President of the NM High School Coaches Association 1986-87, was inducted to the NM High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 1990, received the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year Award in 1996, received the Ralph Boyer Character Coach of the Year in 2004, and was inducted into the NMSU Hall of Fame. He was also the recipient of the Aggie Cornerstone Award given by the NMSU College of Education in 2013.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry C. Bradley and Corine (Woodson) Bradley and his brother Harry ""Buddy"" Bradley and wife JoAnn. He is survived by his brother Charles Bradley and wife Jody.
Jim is survived by his wife Phyllis E. Bradley, children James C. Bradley Jr. and wife DeAnna, Deborah Banegas and husband Jeffrey, Michael L. Bradley and wife Shannon, and Gary C. Bradley and wife Dana; Grandchildren Jordan, Jenna, Krystyn, David, Michaela, Shawn, Morgan, Trevor, Marisa, and Amber; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
There will be a visitation at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral on Sunday, August 16 from 6:00 – 7:00 with a rosary immediately following at 7:00. The funeral mass will be at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral on Monday, August 17 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the Holy Cross Catholic Church Columbarium at a later date and time. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice.
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, corner of Solano and Bowman Ave. To sign our local online guestbook, please log on to www.GetzCares.com Mesilla Valley Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Bradley
Patrick Pufal
September 6, 2015
They don't make em like that anymore. We knew we better be ready to have a chance to beat his teams. Tough and disciplined. Though out of coaching, as a young coach I'm forever appreciative of the time he spent with me to enhance my knowledge of the game. It is because of Coach Bradley that I feel Mayfield is the measuring stick of all programs in the EP LC Region. God bless Bradley Family
Willie Breazell
August 23, 2015
I too am deeply sadden by the passing of the my favorite gym teacher. He challenged us as young men 53 years ago. Thank you! You made all of us better men.
Emily Paredes'Rufoloia-Maurer
August 22, 2015
Heartfelt Thoughts and Prayers are with you all'
I remember The slumber parties we had at The Bradley's' with Debbie' We Stayed up all night long! Mr Bradley' wondered how girls could stay up and talk all night long! Cherish the memories' it is because of Love that we hurt and it is because of Love that we Heal!
Praying for strength and Courage to Carry you through the days' months and years to follow! And the Good Shepherd said' " Jim' your Job is Done on Earth' Your Table is ready"
Gods Peace Be with you all'
Emily Paredes-Maurer and Family
Lawrence Madrid
August 22, 2015
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
August 18, 2015
Debbie, your dad loved you very much, you were his precious daughter. Peace be with you.
Bernadette and Gilbert Apodaca
August 18, 2015
Dear Phyllis, Gary, Michael, and the rest of the Bradley family: Our hearts were saddened by the news of Coach Bradley's moving on to his heavenly home. May the Lord who is always good, kind, merciful and compassionate fill your hearts with His holy Peace. We have been out of town for a few months but know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. We hold dearly, many fond memories of the many ways all of you have touched our lives. Our Lord's blessings continue as we rely on His strength and guidance daily. Love and Prayers.
Debbie Ramsey (Tilley)
August 18, 2015
He was my favorite Coach, mentor, teacher and was an unforgettable winner. He was a special man who can never be replaced. And more than anything, he was one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers to every one of the Bradley family members.Rest in Peace Coach.
August 18, 2015
Heartfelt condolences to the family. I had the utmost regard and respect for this man while teaching at Mayfield.
C.Messick
Roswell, NM
Jeffrey and Erika Maples
August 17, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tough time. Coach Bradley left such a legacy to so many young men who turned in to great men and that should make you all so proud.
Lifting you all in prayers and may the Lord continue to bless you all!
Janine & Ed Trujillo
August 17, 2015
Prayers to the entire Bradley family, Coach was certainly a highly respected member of our community and has left a legacy of greatness and honor. May you look back at all the great memories to get you through these hard times. Thank you for sharing "Old Man Bradley" with us all!
Steve Thode
August 17, 2015
To Mrs. Bradley and the Entire Bradley Family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of "Coach." He was a wonderful man and great inspiration to his players and students. I remember him most fondly for his razor sharp memory and the passion he brought to everything he did.
May the Lord bless you and keep you at this time. And always.
Chris Florez & family
August 17, 2015
Condolences to the Bradley family. I never had the honor of playing for him but I did play for his two sons Mike and Gary. Im very sorry for your loss, he was a great man. May he rest in peace.
Irma and Ernie Ortiz
August 17, 2015
May he rest in peace and God Bless all the family.
Blessings,
Fred Cardona
August 17, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bradley family. I sure do miss seeing you when I go back home to visit my sister (Laura) and brother-in-law (Joseph) you would always greet me with a smile.
Fred & Linda Cradona
C Lessau
August 16, 2015
Condolences to the Bradley family. Coach Bradley was a great man and will be missed. God Bless you all
August 16, 2015
Dear Phyllis and Bradley Family, My most sincere condolences on the passing of a wonderful leader in our community. Jimmy will be sorely missed by so many who knew him as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, coach and fried. The Apodaca Family has so many wonderful memories of our days in Las Cruces and Santa Fe. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love to all, Clara Apodaca
Ruben Trujillo
August 16, 2015
Condolences to the Bradley family. May the Bradley spirit continue in the community.
John & Margie Butler
August 16, 2015
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Coach Bradley's death. We are here to support you in your grieving process. With sincere sympathy.May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Carol Ann Edwards Case
August 16, 2015
It was with great sadness that I learned of Jimmy's death. He was always a leader in our school years and our class (1951). My heart goes out to you Phyllis and your family.
Cecilia Archuleta , Campos
August 16, 2015
Such a special man first saw him at Las Cruces High School. A man with beautiful sparking eyes. May God Bless Your family coach. Cecilia Archuleta Campos
MCGRATH FAMILY
August 16, 2015
GOOD BYE COACH BRADLEY. AS PEOPLE GO .. YOU WERE ONE OF THE VERY BEST.
YOU WERE OUR FRIEND, OUR NEIGHBOR, OUR TEACHER, OUR COACH, A TREMENDOUS GIFT AND A LEGEND WHO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.!!!!!
WE LOVED YOU AND WE WILL MISS YOU!!!
GO WITH GOD!!!
Pat Hill
August 15, 2015
Heartfelt sympathy to Phyllis and all of Jim's family, loved ones and friends. A role model and mentor has done his job and been called home. I enjoyed getting to know you when you were coaching at NMSU.
Becca Carter Coleman
August 15, 2015
He is remembered with a smile. So honored to know him. Mayfield Class of 1968.
Maria Galindo
August 15, 2015
I grew up in LC and know how much he loved people and what an incredible person he was. My sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
Debbie Mintz-Ortiz
August 15, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
william Frietze
August 15, 2015
My most sincere condolences to the Bradley Family. Jimmy was a good and old high school friend and Bulldog/Aggie team mate. I will keep Jimmy and his family in my thoughts and prayers
oscar delgado
August 15, 2015
condolences to Bradley family. keeping in prayer.former trainer
E Flores
August 15, 2015
He was the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.
condolences to the Bradley family
August 15, 2015
My condolences to the Bradley family at this time of loss. Mr.Bradley not only coached me in football, but was my history teacher. Great Man.
Paul Hernandez
ruben arvizu
August 15, 2015
Coach Bradley there are so many awesome things you did in this community. Rest inn peace now in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My condolences to all the Bradley Family. Ruben Arvizu
Steve moya
August 15, 2015
Condolences to the family.Coach will forever be in our hearts.A very special man .God Bless him for the pleasure of his friendship and guidance.
vivian silva
August 15, 2015
Sorry for your loss ,HE was a great coach . Vivian Silva EL Paso, TX.
August 15, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
M.Tito Hinojosa
August 15, 2015
Im sorry to here of the coaches passing, had many fun times with him. My Prayers are with you all. God Bless.
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