James Bradley

James D. Bradley, 81, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born Monday, August 1, 1927 in Gunn City, Missouri, the son of Charles H. and Hazel A. (Schoenfield) Bradley. He left this world Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at Kansas City Hospice House.

On December 16, 1950, James was united in marriage to Eloise McCarty in Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Jim was a 1945 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Army Air Force, Communication Division. Following his time in the service he attended and graduated from the University Of Missouri College Of Agriculture where he was active on campus and a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity and president of the chapter.

He taught school for one semester in Maryville, Missouri, and then went to work for a division of the Anchor Serum Company in Indianapolis, Indiana later returning to St. Joseph, Missouri where he was named president of the company.

In 1970 he founded Durvet, Inc. with the national headquarters currently located in Blue Springs, Missouri.

In 1975 he moved to New Holland, Pennsylvania and purchased the New Holland Supply Company which he passed on to his son when he retired in 1994.

He had an active business life. He owned, managed, and was a director or consultant with nineteen corporations and partnerships.

He was a Rotarian and past president of the New Holland, Pennsylvania Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member, Elder and past Chairman of the Board of the Southport Christian Church in Southport, Indiana. He was a current member of the United Methodist Church in Harrisonville, Missouri. Jim was also a fifty year member of Jewel Lodge #480 AF & AM in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite in St. Joseph, Missouri and member of the Ararat Shiners in Kansas City, Missouri; and a member of the American Legion, post #271 in Tequesta, Florida.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 brother Charles H. Bradley and 1 sister Louise Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Eloise of the home; his son and daughter-in-law Jim and Bonnie Bradley of Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania; his granddaughter Jamie Johnson and her husband Travis of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania; his grandson Jason L. Bradley of Freeland, Pennsylvania; 3 great-grandchildren Brendan, Eden and Corbin; 1 brother Jack Bradley of Harrisonville, 1 sister Peggy Clum of Harrisonville; other relatives and many friends.

Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service was held Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Harrisonville. Reverend George Moore officiated. Inurnment was in the Orient Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kansas City Hospice House, United Methodist Church of Harrisonville or the American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of the funeral home.