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Jess Thomas Bradford
08/01/1927 — 12/18/2004
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Los Angeles, California
Jess Thomas Bradford
JESS THOMAS BRADFORD
Jess passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, December 18, 2004 at Guardian Angel Homes in Richland after a long struggle with health problems. He was born to Grace and Harry Bradford in Los Angeles, CA on August 1, 1927. He grew up in the Los Angeles area with his parents, 2 sisters, and one brother.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1964, and retired after attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer Yeoman. Of his many career achievements, he was most proud of being presented with the ''Certificate of Recognition'' from Secretary of Defense William L. Cohen, for special services he provided during the Cold War. He served his country on destroyers, supply ships, and on the carrier USS Hornet. During his lengthy stays in Japan, Korea, and Hawaii, he enjoyed buying many treasures for Billie and his children. Then he would proudly have boxes and boxes carted down the gangway while his wife and children watched with anticipation. There were so many keepsakes to treasure.
On October 3, 1948, he married the love of his life, Billie Nadine Koontz in Las Vegas, NV. They met in the 7th grade and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year, forever friends. Together they raised three sons and one daughter, and have been blessed with 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly.
Jess & Billie and family moved to Richland in 1969 after living in Norwalk, CA for 15 years. After his career in the U.S. Navy, Jess worked in the trucking industry and at the Supply System for several years before retiring. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Kennewick, Richland Masonic Lodge #283, the VFW, and the Fleet Reserve Association. After retirement, Jess & Billie vacationed all over the country, including cruises and Las Vegas trips with friends and family. Jess loved the sunshine and the outdoors, spending much time over the years camping and fishing with family, friends and his much beloved dachshund Joey. He also enjoyed woodworking, creating gifts for family and friends, including a crib, students' desks, planters, and countless toys and games for his grandchildren.
Jess is survived by his wife, Billie; his children and grandchildren, son Larry & wife Donna Kevin & wife Tiffany; Eric; son Dan & wife Sandy Chris & wife Liz, great grandsons Kade & Logan; Zachary, great grandsons Zachary Jr. & Zane; Brian, & Kaitlyn; daughter Becky; son Alan & wife Shawn Jessica Fieber & husband Mike; Craig; numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Jess also leaves behind many navy buddies, including Bob Riley who is married to Billie's sister, Marilyn.
He is also survived by two sisters and a brother, Bertha Summers of Van Buren, AR, Minnie Fisher of Rogue River, OR, and Harry Bradford of Madera, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Bob Koontz, and his brother-in-law Dan Olson.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Kennewick, 2000 W. Kennewick Ave at 3:00pm on Saturday, January 8th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jess's name to the Shriners Hospital for Children @ P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, W A 99210-2472, or the charity of your choice.
There are several memories that immediately come to mind with Uncle Jess in them. Our many trips to Richland as a child most always included an appearance by Uncle Jess. I am reminded of his laughter,always a joke and a smile. He gave us all great stories to relive, share, and laugh about. Such memories are that of Loss Lake, throwing Uncle Dan in and breaking bones. They also include Uncle Dan’s cannon and Uncle Bob’s yellow wheelbarrow shot to bits. The most fond memory was when I was a little older, we had gone to his property with the horses. While he was working with the horses, I found a rowboat on the pond, which he set me up with. I spent hours rowing around, singing, and just having a great time. He knew how much that meant to me, as at the time I was not an avid horseman. He came to get me before we left and he had his great big smile on his face saying, “You really had a good time didn’t you Vaughn?” Anyway, that was a special alone time with my Uncle Jess, a rare moment as there were always so many kids. The last memory was again with that of Uncle Dan. He had made pictures from calendar’s, antiqued them, and walked on them with golf shoes. As it hung in Uncle Jess and Aunt Billie’s dining room, Dan and Marilyn were coming over. Uncle Jess decided to string toilet paper over it after rubbing brown shoe polish over it. It was hillarious and of course Uncle Dan was dooped again. I am very grateful for these memories, I know he didn’t purposefully do these things for us to remember him by, but I know we all have really been blessed to be in the family together with his love and laughter. Thank you Uncle Jess. Vaughn Drumm
There are several memories that immediately come to mind with Uncle Jess in them. Our many trips to Richland as a child most always included an appearance by Uncle Jess. I am reminded of his laughter,always a joke and a smile. He gave us all great stories to relive, share, and laugh about. Such memories are that of Loss Lake, throwing Uncle Dan in and breaking bones. They also include Uncle Dan’s cannon and Uncle Bob’s yellow wheelbarrow shot to bits. The most fond memory was when I was a little older, we had gone to his property with the horses. While he was working with the horses, I found a rowboat on the pond, which he set me up with. I spent hours rowing around, singing, and just having a great time. He knew how much that meant to me, as at the time I was not an avid horseman. He came to get me before we left and he had his great big smile on his face saying, “You really had a good time didn’t you Vaughn?” Anyway, that was a special alone time with my Uncle Jess, a rare moment as there were always so many kids. The last memory was again with that of Uncle Dan. He had made pictures from calendar’s, antiqued them, and walked on them with golf shoes. As it hung in Uncle Jess and Aunt Billie’s dining room, Dan and Marilyn were coming over. Uncle Jess decided to string toilet paper over it after rubbing brown shoe polish over it. It was hillarious and of course Uncle Dan was dooped again. I am very grateful for these memories, I know he didn’t purposefully do these things for us to remember him by, but I know we all have really been blessed to be in the family together with his love and laughter. Thank you Uncle Jess. Vaughn Drumm
Uncle Jess will be forever be loved and remembered in my heart. He won my heart when I was a young girl visting the Bradfords while on vacation in California. I hurt my ankle while playing with my cousins. So I wouldn’t have to miss out, my hero, Uncle Jess, carried me to the movies and to the backyard for the cousins camp-out. He always made me smile and feel like a little princess. We became penpals while Uncle Jess was stationed on the USS Hornet. I wish I had saved those letters with the cute little drawings and funny writings. I feel so lucky to have these and countless more wonderful memories. Aunt Billie, Larry, Dan, Becky and Al,I share in your grief. The true characters in our lives are the ones we miss most. My dad and Uncle Jess gave us joy and memories we can go on sharing with each other. Love, Deb
Uncle Jess will be missed by all of us that knew him. His laughter, practical jokes, and most of all his love for all of his family and friends.
You will be in our hearts and memories forever.
Bob & Margie Halgren
Larry & Donna,
Sorry to read that your Dad passed away! I just wanted you to know that I cared!
Lee Bush
Guestbook for
Jess Thomas Bradford