In Loving Memory of James Bradford

James Leroy Bradford, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, was called home Monday, August 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s.

Jim was born September 10, 1939, on a farm north of Sumner, Iowa, and graduated from Sumner High School in 1957.

Jim married his first wife, Phyllis Van Eaton, and together they welcomed four children: Catherine (Curt) Timmerman, Timothy (Gail) Bradford, Jenny (Jeff) Myers, and Bill (Lisa) Bradford. He developed many long-lasting friendships in Sumner, many of which continued throughout his life.

Jim’s strong work ethic began at a very young age on the family farm raising cattle. Working side by side with his dad, he later ventured into real estate and insurance, where he ultimately made a career of it. Over the years, Jim worked for Milwaukee Insurance before retiring from West Bend Insurance, where he served as the Iowa Sales Manager. The relationships Jim built throughout his career carried through until his passing. Jim’s professional life reflected the same qualities that defined him personally—dedication, determination, and genuine love for the people around him.

In 1993, Jim found his forever love, Jeanine Vraney Allen Bradford, and they married in 2002. Jim was blessed with four bonus children: Peggy (Mike) Kiefer, Tracy (Tim) Theisen, Michael Allen, and Scott (Airrah) Allen.

Together, they enjoyed life to the fullest, spending their years traveling, creating life-long memories, and cherishing time with family, whether in Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, or Wisconsin. Jim’s days often included an old western on TV, a home-cooked meal prepared by Jeanie, followed by a game of cribbage and a viewing of Jeopardy, Law & Order, or Blue Bloods. They rarely missed a new episode. Jim and Jeanie also spent many days cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers, while Sundays were reserved for watching golf and the Green Bay Packers.

After retirement, Jim and Jeanine shared many wonderful years together, spending their summers in West Bend and winters in Sanibel/Ft. Myers, Florida, until recently moving back to Fox Point, Wisconsin, to be closer to family.

An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of The Dunes in Sanibel, Florida. Golf was more than a pastime for him; it was a source of friendship, laughter, competition, and countless good memories. Even after retiring from playing the game itself, Jim never missed a tournament on TV and knew all the stats on each current player.

Above all, his family was his greatest joy. He leaves behind a large and loving family, including his children and bonus children; grandchildren Erin (Greg) Adamson, Lindsy (Nick) Trotter, Adam (Bre) Bradford, Abby (fiancé MV Dushyanthram) Bradford, Brian (Sarah) Bradford, Karissa (Cole) Rogers, Elle Myers, Mariah Myers, Caleb Myers, Elijah Myers, Hope Grace Myers, Madison (fiancé Tanner Lee) Bradford, Megan (Alex) Doorenbos, Carson Bradford, Emma (Tony) Nitz, Elise (Luke) Miller, Sam (fiancé Juliette Verley) Weber, Victoria Theisen, and Olivia Theisen; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters Diane (Randy) Teague, Vickie (Mark) Rhea, and Sue (John) Leahy, and his brother-in-law, Mike Miller.

He was preceded in death by his brother Bill, who died in infancy, and sisters Ellen Moore and Linda Miller.

His life was marked by hard work, a love for family, lifelong friendships, and an ability to find joy in every season of life. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will continue to live through us. We love you and know that you are at peace.

Services will be held on Monday, August 24, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in West Bend. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m., with Mass at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at Myhrum-Patten Funeral Service. Dress comfortably in your favorite golf or summer attire.