James Ralph Bradley

1952 ~ 2023

Woodland, UT-James Ralph Bradley, a man of kindness, strength, and compassion passed away suddenly in the early hours of January 19, 2023. Jim was born on March 9, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Mildred Harris and Ralph Otis Bradley, the eighth of fourteen children. The Bradley home was filled with laughter, love and loyalty, creating solid sibling connections. His family and friends loved hearing about his many excellent childhood adventures, including pet monkeys, falling out the second story window-walking away unharmed, taking a hammer to the brand new grand piano, stacking all the siblings two to three deep to drive to church, and hitchhiking across the country to visit his brother in New York.

Jim attended East High School and graduated from the University of Utah. His education prepared him for varied professions in sales, the Utah Department of Agriculture, and real estate. His desert outdoor survival course in the 1970's was iconic in his life. There he embraced living in the moment. The passion and knowledge he gained in the beautiful western desert harshness gave him increased confidence. Those values, his character, curiosity, and intellect contributed to his successful, fulfilled life. Jim never said no when asked for help. He was asked frequently because his first response was "I'll be right there". He had access to a furniture truck, a skid steer "Bob", and he could fix anything! He loved the people with whom he worked, and was honored to serve European students in their pursuit of higher education through BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

On June 26, 1975, Jim married the love of his life, Shauna Smoot, in the Salt Lake Temple. Soulmates for over 50 years, they rode horses, camped, traveled extensively, and parented their three treasured children, Jake, Erik (Nicole), and Lauren. Firm with his expectations, Jim's tender, silly, loving demeanor always kept his family laughing. Humanitarian trips to Mexico each Christmas were a yearly highlight with his family, in which he taught them to explore new places and serve others.

Jim loved living at the ranch in Pine Valley, including his daily routine of feeding his horses, birds, and gardening. The Bradley home on the ranch was open to everyone, creating cherished memories, crazy events, campfires with Skinwalker stories, s'mores and songs. Jim and Shauna created everlasting memories as they provided horseback rides to the young and old, making every visitor feel loved and valuable to them. Jim's children and grandchildren were his world, bringing him immeasurable joy. Their grandchildren include Abe, Jordan, Owen, Sierra, Jace, and Brooke. They knew that Pops would do anything for them, including three trips to McDonald's in one day! The kids would even get up early to be with Pops to feed the horses or tend to the bees. He especially loved his horses and dogs, and they loved him. His self-effacing, unpretentious nature was epic.

"You are already closer than where you started, so keep going," was one of his sayings in encouraging hard work. With his Savior Jesus Christ as his example, he found good in others, always bringing a smile to everyone. Kindness and acceptance are his legacy. Everyone loved being with Jim!

This last year, Jim demonstrated immense courage in his treatments for cancer. Through humor and optimism, he inspired those around him to love life and honor each day. His North Star of faith, love, and family guided him throughout his life.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 4, 12:00 MDT, at the Kamas Stake Center, 3038 State Rd,Utah-32, Marion, Utah. Gathering of family and friends after at the Oakley Red Barn, 4300 State Rd, Ut-32, Oakley, Utah.

For those unable to attend please join us on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/91002597589

In lieu of flowers, please follow Jim's example and give a kind act of service-make someone smile.

Happy Trails until we meet again! Vaya con Dios, mi amor

Donations can be made to https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/byu-pathway or https://action.aclu.org/give/support-aclu-utah

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bradley

11 Entries

Nancy Swenson

February 6, 2023

Shauna. Val and I did not hear of Jim's passing until yesterday, so missed the celebration of life. Our girls loved Jim, as we did also. Our hearts are hurt for you and we send love and prayers your way. With love, Nancy and Val Swenson and girls

Kurt and Susie Woolley

Planted Trees

Howard and Gwen Haglund

February 4, 2023

Kind regards to Shauna and all of Jim's family. We are glad to have learned more about your wonderful husband, father and grandpa this afternoon.
Jim was an example to us of love and generosity. He was so kind to share his time to work on our small property with Bob and we always felt welcomed and loved by Jim as well as you Shauna.
Our best and love to all of you.
Gwen & Howard Haglund

Shanti Hoffman

February 3, 2023

"Grandpa Jim" was an incredible force for good! We could always count on a laugh and a smile and to come away from a visit with him feeling loved and standing just a little taller than when we got there. Our Abraham got his middle name from him and we can´t think of a better man than him to look up to. Shauna, we have all been blessed by having you and Jim in our lives. You two have always been our #couplesgoal standard. The way you work as a team and love each other and work together to do hard things is incredible. Thank you for sharing your family with us. Jim is forever in our hearts and will always be part of our family.

Maggi (Miner) Machala

February 3, 2023

So very sorry to learn about Jim's passing, Shauna. I can still see his great smile and hear you two giggling behind me in that Aztec course and while dancing to The Deseret String Band at both our weddings.

Please know that I'm thinking about you and your family and send my love.

Maggi

Karen and Michael Silva

Planted Trees

Lisa Knudsen Harbertson

February 3, 2023

Jim was a person who just felt good to be around! His down to earth, goofy, gentle nature was comforting and felt like home. I remember vividly a time we were camping on a beach in Mexico over Christmas with your family. It was a Sunday and we were trying to get to church. Lauren would have been about 16 and was NOT budging from her sleeping bag in her tent, church was the last thing she wanted to do. I witnessed Jim visit her tent a few times and gently coax her out of that cocoon in the most amazing, genuine, funny way. She stubbornly emerged, but she couldn´t be mad at him bc of the congenial way he went about parenting. I´ve often thought about Jim as I parent my stubborn teenagers!
Another memory is breakfast at the ranch and he made the waffles - he went on and on about how good they were because of his secret ingredient, but it was a secret. When we begged enough, he finally told us with enthusiasm that his secret was adding Sprite to the mix!
We wet we camping in southern utah with your family, around the campfire at night, he told skinwalker stores and scared my little sister Ali to death, ha! I think she still fears skinwalkers! I also remember him coming up with s game where you had to say a word backwards while everyone tried to guess it. We were stumped as he continued to pronounce "baom" with slow enthusiasm, so proud that no one could guess Moab!
Jim is a good good man, and the world just doesn´t seem as bright without him in it. My deepest thoughts and condolences are with your family at this difficult time.
Love,
Lisa Knudsen Harbertson

Alex Knudsen

February 3, 2023

Thank you Jim for your life of love and radical acceptance. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family and feeling so welcome. From horses, to camp stories, to life lessons, and "quick to laugh" way of life. You will be missed.

Hugs, tears, and memories to the Bradley´s. We love you so much.

Rob & Jana McQuay

February 2, 2023

Shauna & Family, We are truly sorrowful to hear of your dear Jim's passing. He was indeed such a good man, a good neighbor to us years back during those early Pinebrook days. And recall a certain awesome 4 wheeling trip with you guys in So. Utah! Precious memories! Loved reading these words shared about him and his life. To know him is to love him. Many hugs and prayers to you all. Rob & Jana McQuay

Curt Crowther

February 1, 2023

Shauna:
We are very sorry for your loss. We think of you often and were shocked when we saw Jim's obituary.
Big Hugs, Curt and Mary Crowther

Tracy Hannay

January 31, 2023

Shauna,
I am so sorry for you and your families loss. I will always remember Jim having that beautiful smile on his face, and his ever cheerful self no matter the circumstances. I truly believe he is rejoicing with my parents right now, and feeling the freedom from the cancer that so engulfed him this past year. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family.
All my love,
Tracy Hannay

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