FARMINGTON – James Bradney, 70, of Industry, died on Sunday night, Sept. 28, 2014, at Franklin Memorial Hospital where he was recovering from surgery for complications of Parkinson’s disease.
He was born on March 1, 1944, in Pennsylvania, where he lived until coming to Clearwater Lake in 1997 to reside with his sister, Nancy Lockwood, and brother-in-law, Robert Lockwood. He was the son of the late George and Gladys Bradney of West Hazleton.
Until the last several years Jim enjoyed participating in recreational activities offered through LEAP, a Western Maine organization whose mission is, in part, to provide experiences of joy in the lives of people it serves.
In Pennsylvania through his business, “The Music Touch,” he volunteered his services as a D.J. to provide music at the annual Hazleton Hospital Garden Fete and church fundraisers, especially at the former St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in West Hazleton. He was a former client of United Rehabilitation Services, Hazleton, and a member of Faith United Church of Christ, Hazleton.
Despite his multiple health challenges, Jim retained his interest in people to the end. As speaking became more difficult, he learned other ways to communicate. He never forgot a face or a name. He was particularly fond of children and dogs.
Besides his sister and brother-in-law, he is survived by a niece, Alexandra Jaime-Pilar Lockwood, and her husband, Christopher Bergeron, and three grand-nephews, Benjamin Abbott, Ryan Bergeron and Liam Bergeron, all residents of New Hampshire.
The family wishes to thank everyone who helped make Jim’s life with Parkinson’s easier, especially his physicians, nurses, physical therapists and in-home aides.
Memorial services will be held in both Maine and Pennsylvania. The service in Maine will be on Friday, Oct. 10, at 3 p.m. in the Fairbanks Union Church. The service in Pennsylvania will be at a date and time to be announced. The family suggests donations in Jim’s memory be made to LEAP, Inc., 313 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, ME 04938 or Faith United Church of Christ, 21 Faith Drive, Hazleton PA 18202.
Arrangements under the direction Adams-McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St, Farmington. Condolences may be sent for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.
My sympathy to Nancy and Jim’s family. I will remember fondly dancing with Jim to Mr.Sandman and the smile on his face that could make the day brighter. He had such wonderful stories of his travel adventures that his awesome sister had done with him. I think I will have to go to Gifford’s this week and try a new flavor and think of Jim.
Condolences to Mr Bradney’s family and friends
My condolences to Nancy and Robert who lovingly provided for Jim at home while his health failed. I remember Jim as a gently soul with a great spirit and a great memory for people and history. His spirit, and he had great spirit while living, is now free to soar. Gone but not forgotten.
A neighbor and gentile soul who left his mark.