James E. Bradford, age 89, of Delton Michigan, passed away on Friday January 20th 2023 from complication of peripheral vascular disease. James was born in Osceola, Arkansas on May 26, 1933 to Everett and Corinne Bradford. James was survived by his three biological daughters: Linda Smith, Brinda Bradford, Peggie Garrison, and his honorary daughter: Dawn King; his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was also survived by his brothers, Gary Bradford and Joe Davis; sisters, Wanda Cole and Unabell Jenkins. James was preceded in death by his two brothers, Freddie and Willie; and his two sisters, Bonita Davis and Isabel Fleming. James Bradford and Fern Howard married at a young age and produced three beautiful daughters before the couple divorced. They had been divorced some time before Fern passed away. James was a strong and brave man. He joined the Army of the United States in May of 1953 and was a Corporal at the time of his honorable release from active duty in May of 1955. After he retired from his job as a machinist from Hydreco, James kept himself active and inspired by working at places where he would be able to meet interesting people. And he made many wonderful, lifelong friends while working as a groundskeeper for both Stonehedge Golf Club, and Gull Lake View Golf Course in Augusta, MI. It was during this timeframe that he was married to his lovely second wife Vera. James and Vera had a very close relationship preferring to do nearly everything together. They worked hard and long hours together building a successful business. Every day James and Vera made time to take long walks together and they would watch the hot air balloons take off as often as they could. They were still married when Vera passed away in 1996. James loved nature and being out in it as much as possible. He spent countless hours fishing with family and friends. James also loved being at the VFW because of the many amazing friends he made there. He was working as a bartender at the Comstock VFW post, in 2002, when he met Joy Stovell. The happy couple had an amazing life filled with love, life, and adventures before Joy passed away in June of 2020. During the 20 years they were a family, James considered and treated Joy's daughter, Dawn, as one of his own. James was known for both his strong work ethic and joy for life! Despite working full time since he was young he had a life full of family and friends that will miss him very much. He was known for creating light moments with playful teasing especially during difficult or uncomfortable times. That kind of playful nature was what made him so very memorable to everyone lucky enough to meet him. The interment will take place Friday May 26th, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Held at the Fort Custer Cemetery (15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012) with a celebration of life following at the VFW in Otsego, MI. Both services will be available to the public. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for James’s family.