October 9, 1949 - April 22, 2023
A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on May 28, 2023, at Call State Park Shelter House in Algona from 2 to 6 p.m. A private burial will be held at East Lawn Cemetery in Algona at a later time.
Jim was born to Burville (Brad) and Bonnie Bradford on Oct. 9, 1949, in Algona. He worked at Dau’s Garage with his dad during high school. He graduated from Algona High School in 1968. Jim then attended Iowa Lakes Community College, specializing in mechanics. He also served in the Iowa Air National Guard and worked at Hilton’s Sinclair. He later opened Brad & Jim’s Repair with his dad, doing auto repairs and custom exhausts. Jim also plowed snow for many years and his first plow, purchased in 1985, is still being used today.
Jim was married to Bernadette Hilbert, to which he was blessed with three sons, they later divorced. He loved David, Billy and Charlie and enjoyed passing his knowledge and experience onto them. In 1997, Jim was united in marriage to Linda Cole, with whom he shared the past 25 years.
Jim could always be found at his shop or at the area races in the infield with friends and family. He was inducted into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame as a Wrecker Operator, with his father in 2014. Jim and Linda retired and made their home in Oskaloosa in 2009. In his later years he enjoyed spending time with all his grandkids at their events. Jim had a huge, gentle heart, and everyone was considered a friend by Jim.
Jim passed away at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, surrounded by family, on April 22.
He is survived by wife Linda; sons David Bradford (Lu Verne), William Bradford and Donelle (Algona), Charles Bradford (Algona); step-daughter Michelle and Wade Jager (Eddyville); grandkids Brittney Bradford (Grimes), Zachary Bradford (Algona), Brooke Bradford (Algona), James Bradford, Ethan Bradford, Gavyn Bradford (all of Algona), Devin Jager, Abby Jager, Sadie Jager (all of Eddyville; brother Bob Bradford (Humboldt), and sister Kay (Bjornson) Bradford (Humboldt); along with many nieces, nephews, aunt, uncle, cousins and many close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Bernadette; and a grandson.