James T. Bradley of Southampton died on April 3 at his home in Palm Coast, Florida. He was 74.
Mr. Bradley was born in Buffalo to James and Catherine (McGuire) Bradley on April 24, 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 17 and was stationed in Westhampton Beach, where he met Joan, his wife of 54 years. “Big Jim,” as he was known by friends, was a beloved member of the Southampton community, where he and his wife resided and raised their family, survivors said. After the Air Force, Mr. Bradley went on to work for the Town of Southampton for 30 years, and was a member of the North Sea Fire Department. He had many hobbies, including coaching sports teams, fishing, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends. Upon retirement in 1995, he enjoyed collecting classic cars, going to car shows, and spending winters in Florida with his wife and their many friends.
Mr. Bradley is survived by his wife, Joan Bradley; daughter, Deborah Bennett and husband Thomas of East Quogue; two sons, James Bradley Jr. and Jeffrey Bradley, both of Southampton; two granddaughters, Emily and Molly Bennett of East Quogue; a brother, John Bradley of Niskayuna; a sister-in-law, Suzie Bradley of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private service was held at Clymers Funeral Home on April 6 in Palm Coast. A memorial service and gathering of friends and family will be held at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton on Thursday, April 16, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Poland Church on Friday, April 17, at 10 a.m.