Obituary of Jackie Lee Bradford

Jackie Lee Bradford, 80, passed away October 13, 2023.

He was born in Eunice, West Virginia, to O. W. Bradford, Jr. and Lorene Davis Bradford.  Jack attended schools in Boone County, WV.  Two days after graduation from High School, Jack was in the U.S. Air Force.  He was stationed at Lackland AFB, Texas, Chanute AFB, IL and Otis AFB on Cape Cod, MA.  While at Otis AFB, Jack met the love of his life and soul mate, Marilyn Cooper Brooks.  They were married after his discharge from the Air Force.  Jack and Marilyn had three sons.

Jack was predeceased in death by his parents, sister Donna Louise Bradford, and sister-in-law Donna Jean Bradford.  He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, and sons, Jon Scott Bradford, Brian Randall Bradford and daughter-in-law Lisa Bradford, and Brent Douglas Bradford and daughter-in-law, Brittany Bradford; three grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and two canine babies, Gracie and Lily.  Jack is also survived  by his brother, James ‘Randall’ Bradford, sister and brother-in-law, Helen Bradford Hanley and Tom Hanley, brother-in-law, Philip Brooks, and many nieces and nephews.  

Jack’s business career involved owning two Service Stations, Mobil and Shell.  In 1980, Jack, along with good friend and business partner Jim Collins, purchased the Bass River Marina on Cape Cod, which they owned and operated for six years.  In 1986, Jack and Jim sold the marina and he and Marilyn moved to Florida.    He enjoyed boating, fishing, and anything else to do with the water, and made his living selling boats.  Later through his Handyman Business, Jack’s Helping Hands, he worked tirelessly helping people with their property issues, making many friends along the way, and touching many hearts and lives; he was loved and valued by all who knew him.  He also served as President of his community’s Homeowners’ Association until a week before his death.  

Jack loved family, fishing, friends and NASCAR, and he played the lottery faithfully for many decades.  He, Marilyn and his two siblings were together in August for three glorious days celebrating their close family relationships.  Jack, along with Marilyn, managed to mark off nearly everything on his bucket list before his death, although they missed another trip scheduled  to their “special place”, Longboat Key.  It is there, and at his favorite fishing spot, where he requested his ashes to be spread.

A military pinning service was held for Jack at his home on  Monday, October 9^th, where he was presented with certificates thanking him for his military service, an American Flag pin, and an American Flag by the Health First Hospice Chaplain and healthcare team.  A Celebration of Life family dinner was held on Thursday, October 12^th at home including wife Marilyn, sister Helen, sons Jon, Brian and Brent, daughter-in-law Lisa and extended family member Linda Ladd.  Son and chef, Jon, prepared a favorite meal and loving stories were told about Jack. The American Flag draped him as he left his home and now flies proudly in his front yard.