James "Shorty" Bradford

James “Shorty” Bradford, 92, of Tampa, Florida passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 of natural causes. James was born in the town of Hanceville, Alabama on December 30, 1922. He was the third born child of Beulah McNeal and Ernest Fred Bradford. James served in the Marine Corps during World War II, where he attained the rank of Corporal. He was classified as a sharp shooter. James was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in the Asian Pacific region. He moved to Tampa in 1950 and married Dorothy Johnson, his wife of 65 years. James later became a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he remained a member until current day and an Emeritus Deacon. James retired from GTE Corporation after a 37 year career with the company as a Central Office Equipment Engineer. James is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bradford; sister, Nellie Simpson; two children, Jim Bradford and Elaine Bradford; granddaughter, Jacqueline Danzig and great grandson, Connor. James was preceded in death by his two sisters and two brothers. A celebration of life will be held at 11am on Monday, October 5, 2015 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa; family will start receiving guests at 10am; with a graveside service to follow at 12:30pm at Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa.