James Ralph Bradley

1952-2023

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.



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 BYU Pathway or Utah ACLU