James Oliver Bradbury

James Oliver Bradbury, 90, of Robinson, IL, died at 3:30 p.m. on April 8, 2016 at the South Campus of the United Methodist Village in Lawrenceville, IL. He was born June 14, 1925 in Evansville, IN, the son of Arthur Bradbury & Lucille Stevens Bradbury, both of whom preceded him in death, as did his beloved step-mother, Pearlene Bradbury and stepfather, Earl Dollahan. Jim married Carolyn Joy St. John on April 19, 1968, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, James Andrew “Andy” & Kelly Bradbury (Robinson, IL) and Terry Lee & Carolyn Bradbury (Indianapolis, IN); by his daughter & son-in-law, Victoria & Benjamin Pettis (New York City, NY); by his grandchildren & their spouses, Dana & Kelly Bradbury (Indianapolis, IN), Courtney & Angie Bradbury (Seattle, WA), and Meghann Bradbury (Indianapolis, IN); step grandchildren, Shawn Wood (Portland, OR) and Dustin & Lori Wood (Robinson, IL); by his great-grandchildren, Eliza Bradbury, Isaiah Bradbury, Draxton Wood, and Wrigley Wood. He graduated from Robinson High School in the Class of 1942. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Nehenta Bay escort carrier in the Pacific Theater. After returning from the war, he operated the Bradbury Planing Mill for several years. He was also the owner and operator of Jim’s Trailer Sales since the mid ‘60s. He was a very active member of the Republican Party, and was precinct committeeman for 18 years. He was a member of the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250, the Danville Scottish Rite, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Palestine AmVets Post #33, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549 and the First Christian Church. He also attended and coordinated several reunions with his shipmates from the Navy. Jim was truly a member of the greatest generation, and his selflessness and drive will be missed for years to come. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Masonic rites will follow at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and will be held by the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13th at the funeral home with Rev Tom Akers and Pastor Tim Watson officiating the service. Burial will follow in the Bradbury Cemetery, with military rites to be performed by the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, with envelopes available at the funeral home.