James Cannon Bradford

Lt. Col. James C. Bradford, Jr., U. S Army, Retired, died February 6, 2024. Colonel

Bradford served for 24 years as an Army officer with overseas tours of duty in Vietnam,

Germany, Norway, and Turkey and at military installations within the Continental United

States. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple

Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak

Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 2

Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal as well

as numerous campaign medals and service ribbons. He was a paratrooper and was

awarded the Combat Infantry Badge for combat service in Vietnam. Memorable

assignments include battalion commander in the 8th Infantry Division and commander of

the U.S. Army Element of the Elite Allied Mobile Force (LAND), a nine nation NATO

strike force with the mission of deploying to the border of NATO countries being

threatened by the Soviet Union and stand as the first line of defense. He was a graduate of the U.S Army Command & General Staff College and received his

Masters of Business Administration from Missouri State University. After his retirement

from the military, Colonel Bradford was employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for

19 years retiring as Assistant Commissioner, Department of Motor Vehicles. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a life member of Metropolitan Lodge # 11, Richmond,

Virginia. He was also a life member of the National Sojourners, Heroes of ‘76, the

American Legion (Post # 234) and the Association of Citadel Men. He was married to his loving wife, Mary Pat Bradford, for 53 years who proceeded him

in death in 2018. He is survived by three sons (James C. Bradford III, Jeffrey C.

Bradford and Kenneth C. Bradford – Citadel ‘96), and six grandchildren: Jacob W.

Bradford, Keri M. Bradford, Cade P. Bradford, Jillian L. Bradford, Katherine L.

Bradford and Benjamin J. Bradford and great-grandson Leo J. Motley.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences may be registered online at Ealvinsmall.com