Jimmy Bradley Booklet

C E L E BR AT I N G T H E L I FE O F

SUNRISE March 11, 1955

SUNSET October 15, 2021

Jimmy Edgar Bradley was born March 11, 1955 in Birmingham, AL to Evelyn and Jimmy. He was the first of two children born to their union.

Jimmy was a believer in Christ and attended Hopewell Baptist Church with his son and his family as well as attending weekly teachings of Jehovah with his mother Evelyn. Jimmy attended Austin High School in which he was a member of the basketball team and displayed a passion for culinary arts.

Jimmy met his wife Cathy in Chicago, IL and they were married on April 18, 1980. They were married until her passing in 2003.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife Cathy and brother Michael.

Jimmy was a man of many talents. He was what one would call “a Jack of all trades”.

He was a talented chef and enjoyed preparing meals for those he loved. Jimmy could create a 5 star meal with minimal ingredients, he was

more like MacGyver in the kitchen. One of his special dishes was peach cobbler, it was always delicious! Jimmy was skillful with his hands, athletic and had an extensive knowledge of fun facts, historical data and trivia. He enjoyed working on cars, playing basketball, dancing, card games, photos, music, television and movies.

Jimmy was a family man with a heart of gold. He would give his last to anyone in need. There was never a doubt of the love he had for his children, grandchildren, friends and family. In his later years Jimmy relocated to Carbondale, IL to be in a more centralized location for his family and loved ones. He enjoyed displaying memories through photos and Jimmy’s home was filled with them. He was surrounded by loving memories.

Jimmy was a charmer, smooth talker and sharp dresser. Whether he wore a suit or a pair of jeans, he always looked his best. He loved celebrations and took every opportunity to celebrate every birthday, graduation, special event or accomplishment. He always took time out to send a card and a gift of his choice. Most of the children born to his caregivers, while he battled cancer, received a special outfit from him.

Jimmy fought his last battle with cancer. It was a fight he knew he couldn’t fight alone. He became more involved in church, he attended more family activities. Even as he knew his time was winding down, he wanted his family together. Jimmy took his last breath with his daughter by his side, after saying goodbye to many other relatives.

Jimmy departed this life on October 15, 2021 surrounded by love. Jimmy leaves to cherish his legacy and memory, five children Danielle(Dennis), Qianesha, Jimi(Datrese), Karessa(Ian) and Jimmy. Twelve grandchildren Dariyan, Dennis Jr., Jaden, Jordan, Jada, Jala, Dominick, Dallas, Prudence, Zeppelin, Tobias and Anderson. One great granddaughter, Ja’Laiah. Sister Sheena. Nephews Antwoan and Damien. Great niece and nephew Kamisha and Antwoan. Father Jimmy(Carol) and mother Evelyn. Special sister-in-law Jovan, as well as an honorary grandson Solomon. In addition to a host of family and friends.

Order of Service Thursday, October 28, 2021

Visitation - 1:00pm | Service - 2:00pm Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church 400 East Main Street | Carbondale, IL 62901

Musical Prelude Marcus Mitchell Processional Clergy & Family Scripture Pastor Swims Prayer Pastor Swims Selection Ayanna Flowers Acknowledgements Remarks 2 minutes Obituary Datrese Bradley Selection Matt Wilson Eulogy Pastor Swims Parting View Recessional Benediction

“He Is Gone” You can shed tears that he is gone Or you can smile because he has lived You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday.

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday You can remember him and only that he is gone.

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Jimi & Qianesha We will always remember you Papa There’ll never be another one to replace you in our hearts I know we are all feeling a little bit sad that we’ve lost our Papa, our friend, and our Dad. Together we have cried an ocean of tears As we feel so empty and hold many fears But Papa would want us to know he’s in a good place And that he’s watching us all with a smile on his face As we have made him so proud, as proud as can be With love from your Grandchildren

Tributes Hey Old Man, I remember the day we met, you were kind and loving and greeted me with the sweetest smile I felt welcomed in the family on day 1 You cared for me as if I was one of your own You made sacrifices so I could complete my goals You would give your last if someone close to you needed it Pops, you were one cool dude and it’s been awesome being a part of your family I will never forget your smile I will never forget your stories and random knowledge I will never forget the things you taught us to help make life easy Most importantly I will never forget you and how you cared for us all.

Thank you for loving me as if I was one of your own children.

Your Young Lady, Datrese Daddy, you were imperfectly perfect.

Nobody truly understood us, but us.

Your body could not take anymore, and still, you gripped my hand on your last day of life for 15 minutes with strength you did not have. I wish we’d made more memories, but I will always see your loving heart in my daughter.

I will always see your eyes and quiet intelligence in my oldest son. I will always see your smile and superfly charm in my baby boy. I will always see your face when I look in the mirror. I will love you forever.

Love, Danki

“Death Will Soon End” There sits before us, an enemy, not a friend It saddens us and weakens us of a love we cannot mend Sometimes it comes with painful pains Sometimes it comes with ease But there’s one thing we all do know It never comes to please Our eyes are filled with tears, Our hearts are loaded down For now the one we loved so much will no more be around But there’s one thing I truly know makes us stop and say I need to get my life together starting with today But do you know the Bible says death won’t always be around For endless life happiness will spread the world abound And now the things that make us sick will be of the past There will be no need for hospitals cause lives will always last Tears of joy will fill our eyes Our heart will jump and leap Ur minds are fully confident That we will awaken from our sleep So trust Jehovah more heavily And keep Him as your friend For the Bible says He will not lie So Death Will Soon End We Will Miss You! Love Forever Mom and Your Sis By: Helen Rushing Jr.

Acknowledgement of Thanks The family of Jimmy Bradley wishes to acknowledge with sincere appreciation the many acts of kindness and sympathy shown during our time of bereavement. Whether it was a call, a card, a prayer or your presence we want to express our profound gratitude to you all.

May God bless you all!

Repast 509 W. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901

Arrangements Entrusted to: 306 N. Wall Street Carbondale, IL 62901 (618) 457. 6623