James R Bradford Jr

James “Jim” R. Bradford, Jr., 71, of Ozark, AL passed away peacefully at this residence on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Graveside services will be held at Shuqualak Cemetery in Shuqualak MS., Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Tol Vandevender officiating. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrier Project, 4889 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, online at wounded warriorproject.org or Desire Street Ministries, Mail Processing Center, 1032 E. Brandon Blvd #1996, Brandson, FL 33511 or online at desirestreet.org. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.www.cockrellfunerlhome.com.

James Robert (Jim) Bradford, Jr was born on June 6, 1955, to the late James Robert and Mary Elizabeth Turner Bradford. He received his education in the Enterprise (AL) Public school from which he graduated. While he was going to school there, he met the young lady who became his high-school sweetheart and the love of his life, Kathy Weaver, and they were married soon after graduation. Jim joined the U.S. Army in 1973 and made it his career. He was in the Military Police in the Army and later served in the Criminal Investigative Division. He was not only stationed at bases in the United States but also in Europe and in Iraq. During his Army tenure, he completed his college courses and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After retiring from active duty in the Army, Jim began working with the Helicopter Aviation program at Ft. Rucker, AL. He fully retired from working in 2023 and began enjoying life with Kathy and the extended family. His grandchildren all called him “Papa”. He loved to ride his motorcycle and to play golf. He was known to family and friends alike as a great but humble person who was generous with his time and money. Jim was outgoing in nature and never met a stranger. He liked to have a good time, no matter what was going on. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; wife Kathy Bradford, and two sisters, Beth and Patsy.  

Jim is survived by his son, James R. Bradford, III, a daughter, Jennifer Drexler (Danny); three grandsons, Dylan Bradford (Prima), Jackson Bradford, and Michael Battles; three granddaughter, Katelyn Battles, Jessica Battles and Hayley Bradford; two great grandchildren, Grayson Battles and Nora Bradford; and one sister, Jane Bradford.