Memorial
F.James (Jim) Bradley shared his last embraces with family on Wednesday, July 28,2021.
Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Helen (Wilson) Bradley of Cedar Rapids, his brother Patrick (Vera) Bradley of Bancroft, Iowa, brother-in-law Irv Herman of Oakland, California, and his children, Jan Marie Bradley (Giacomo Tormene) of Cedar Rapids, John Patrick (Julie) Bradley of Cedar Rapids, Douglas James Bradley (Carol Brand) of Boulder, Colorado, and Susan Bradley (Paul) Buse of Clayton Missouri, and by 13 grandchildren, 2 granddaughters-in-law, 2 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and families. He is preceded in death by sisters Jane Kammer and Virginia Herman, son Michael Francis Bradley and infant daughter Mary Theresa Bradley.
Born May 7,1927, in Bancroft Iowa to Flora Tyree Bradley and Francis Bradley, Jim was the consummate oldest child in a generation called to service. Jim graduated from high school and enrolled at Loras College at age 16. He stayed 3 semesters, just long enough to secure the college tennis championship and, most importantly, to meet his life partner, Mary Wilson. But it would take 9 more years, through army service (Ft. Levenworth, Fort Sheridan, Jefferson Barracks), college and law school (University of Iowa) for Jim to win Mary over. Jim and Mary were married on June 27, 1953, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wilmette, Illinois. After a honeymoon infamous not just for Colorado sunsets but for adventurous budgeting (food or gas?), Jim and Mary settled in Cedar Rapids. Mary continued teaching until their son Michael was born in May, 1957, and Jim launched into what would become a storied legal career, starting with 17 years with Franken Keyes and Crawford, and 11 years with Simmons Perrine Albright and Elwood. Forty years ago, in 1981, Jim joined with Byron Riley to found Bradley and Riley PC, a firm they premised upon excellence in legal representation with recognition of the dignity of each person whom they encountered within and beyond their firm.
Jim’s retirement became official on September 4,2015, exactly 65 years from the start of his career. Over the course of those decades, Jim epitomized the best of the legal profession, serving both client and principles. An integral voice in the legal community, Jim was nominated to and served on the American College of Trust and Estates Counsel. He chaired the Ethics and other key committees, and served as President of the Iowa Bar Association. Jim was honored with the highest professional accolades, including recognition among The Best Lawyers in America and as recipient of the Iowa Bar Association’s most prestigious award, the Award of Merit. His philanthropic and community commitments included board service with Catholic Charities and Mt Mercy College, and service on the Cedar Rapids Airport Commission. Jim also brought needed wisdom and humanity to the work of the Archdiocese of Dubuque during critical times.
Those of us in Jim’s broad world learned to appreciate (and tolerate) his quick and disciplined mind, often dry humor and ready puns, his intensity yet ability to integrate work and play, as well as his “rock the rafters” baritone and the unspoken kindnesses that he made a natural part of his every day. And, of course, it was Jim’s constant partnership with Mary that empowered him to strive, give, and achieve to the fullest. As we, his family, leaf through his papers, we treasure the simple notes of respect and appreciation he has kept over the years, received from friends, employees, clients, professional peers and others whom he quietly graced. Some of your notes are taped to or carefully folded against the professional plaques, certificates and speeches, while others lie stapled to nonprofit presentations, board appreciations, news clippings, and hospital notes.
Jim and Mary’s Catholic faith, purpose and love grounded their home as they travelled, played cards, enjoyed golf and tennis, raised a family, and prioritized relationships and community. What an incredible blessing Jim was and is to the many of us who are the beneficiaries of Jim and Mary’s shared spirit, genius and heart.
On that last day, the question for each of us may be – How Well Did You Love? Jim/ Dad –you aced that one as well. You have loved and lived your vision for our world. You have both modeled how and challenged us to do the same. At your children’s weddings, you sang the Irish Blessing. With our hearts we sing it back to you, comforted in knowing that you are held in the Palm of God’s hand.
Visitation: Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Monday, 4-6pm August 2, 2021. Funeral Mass: All Saints Catholic Church, Tuesday, 10am, August 3, 2021. For those who are not vaccinated or are otherwise unable to personally attend, a livestream of the service can be viewed at https://youtu.be/oNz7mYkfae4
Memorial contribution suggestion: Mt Mercy University Bradley Family Scholarship or Cedar Rapids Community Health Free Clinic.