Jim Bradford

Jim Bradford will be well-remembered for his life of service, knowledge of history and gregarious sense of humor. A history professor by profession, he was foremostly an educator and leader. Since his passing, tributes have called him a civic leader, a titan of American history, a cornerstone of the naval history community, a wonderful man, thoughtful and patient.

Raised in Traverse City, Michigan, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy, before studying at Michigan State University and then earning a PhD in history at the University of Virginia. He taught midshipmen for nearly a decade at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis before accepting a position at Texas A&M and moving to Bryan, TX. During his early career, he founded or actively participated in many professional organizations rising to leadership positions in the North American Society of Oceanic History, Society for Historians of the Early American Republic, and International Commission on Maritime History.

While teaching for nearly 40 years at Texas A&M, his impact grew well beyond history. From 1986 he began teaching courses in the university’s study abroad programs ensuring students in France, Italy and the United Kingdom had the opportunity to pair the sort of education that comes from books and lectures with lived cultural experiences. He served for 8 years as an elected member of the Bryan Independent School Board of Trustees. From 1992 to 1995 he was President of the Board. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Bryan-College Station Sister Cities organization and in key leadership positions of other community groups.

A keen traveler, he visited more than 50 counties, often leading groups of friends on expeditions to explore history or culture. Whether on those trips or at home, his booming voice was always ready with a joke or quip. He lived largely and was full of energy for others. He is survived by Judy and his two sons, Jim and John.

A memorial service for Jim will be held Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan Texas, followed by a reception from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM at Fairview Cemetery in Bear Lake, Michigan on September 14th. A remembrance ceremony will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel at 3:30 PM on September 17th.