James Elwood Bradley

James Elwood Bradley, 87, of Athens, Georgia, formerly of Westmoreland, Kansas, died Friday, July 21, 2023.  He was a longtime resident of the Westmorland community.

Jim was born November 13, 1935, in Goltry, Oklahoma, the son of Lewis Albert and Beryl Elisabeth (Field) Bradley.  He attended local grade school and graduated in 1954 from Goltry High School.  Jim graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with a degree in chemistry and mathematics.  He later earned a master’s degree in computer science from Texas A&M University, and a master’s degree in management information systems from Friends University.

Jim served twenty years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.  He enlisted in the Air Force in 1959, later saying he didn’t want to be drafted, because he wanted to fly. He was trained as Electronic Warfare Officer, or as he called it, “a navigator with attitude.” During the Vietnam War, Jim flew 55 missions in F015s as a Wild Weasel in the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, and another 96 missions aboard B-52s in the 322nd Bombardment Squadron.

After 20 years in the Air Force, Jim retired and took a job with the Boeing Aircraft Company in Wichita. He was a Navigation Software Test Engineer, tasked with finding at what point the computer navigation of an aircraft would fail.  Some programs he worked on included the B-52 modernization program, the Air Launched Cruise Missile system, simulators for the E-3 and KC-135, and testing and application of the navigation system for Air Force One.

After 15 years with Boeing, Jim retired and joined his wife Marian on the farm where she grew up.  He was a member of the American Legion, the Westmoreland United Methodist Church, and the B-52 Stratofortress Association.  Jim was also a member of the Texas A&M Alumni Association, the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alumni Association, and a board member at the Westy Community Care Home.  They also did extensive genealogy work and was active with the Rock Creek Valley Historical Society.  When time allowed, he enjoyed woodworking.

Jim married Marian Elizabeth Scott on December 26, 1962, in Westmoreland.  After over 55 years together, Marian preceded him in death on June 2, 2018.  On September 24, 2020, Jim married Connie Marian Parker.  She survives at their home in Athens, Georgia.
Jim is also survived by his son Scott Bradley, Wichita; his daughter Elizabeth Murray (Kehl), Westmoreland; his grandson, Dean Murray, Westmoreland; and his sisters Ethel Mae and Kathryn, Dallas. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister Donna Rae.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Westmoreland United Methodist Church.  Inurnment will be held at the Westmoreland City Cemetery. The family will greet friends at 10:00 am, prior to the service and suggest memorial contributions to Wellsprings of Westmoreland or the Rock Creek Valley Historical Society, and those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.