Obituary of John Joseph Bradley

John Joseph "Jay" Bradley was born on April 20, 1934 in Schenectady, New York to Nathaniel F. Bradley Jr. and Pauline M. (Vanyo) Bradley. 

From his birth, Jay was surrounded by the warmth of family who instilled in him the God-fearing sense of love, honesty, thrift, loyalty to friends and country and hard work. In his early years, he raised chickens, sold Christmas trees, polished brass, shoveled snow, and delivered newspapers. At a young age, he saved nickels and dimes to take a bus to the edge of town to rent a horse to ride, thus started a lifelong love of the animal. 

Jay earned a letter in high school as a member of the ski team. A love of the sport would see him through till his last schuss down the mountain at the age of 84. 

Jay’s ambition and diligent hard work would prepare him for the day when his father was to be taken suddenly from him, his brother, and mother. 

Taking life challenges in stride, Jay completed his education with a degree in Agriculture with a concentration in Poultry Husbandry, from New York State Institute at Cobleskill. He enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

While attending a hockey game, he met the love of his life and future bride, Elaine Wagner. Through their union, Kathleen, John Jr., Gerald, and Pauline were born. 

Tragedy struck again in his life at the loss of his son Jerry in 1981. 

Jay worked for Stevenson Produce, The Rocky Mountain Greyhound Park, and was successful in home building product sales. Jay was involved in multiple enterprising adventures, from building motorhomes and renting cars, to the Super Space Slide and being a Dunkin Donuts shop proprietor. 

Dad loved to fish, hunt, and had a special place in his heart for dogs. He was a proud member of The Pikes Peak Range Riders and cherished the camaraderie of his cowboy friends. 

Dad and mom always had an awesome garden that nourished our thankful family. 

Dad had the gift of conversation and was genuinely interested in people. Often starting out by saying “Where you from originally?” 

He was a self-described frustrated builder and created many beautiful homes for his family and others throughout the Colorado Springs and Black Forest area. 

And yes Dad, “We are going to miss you when you’re gone!” 

Jay is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elaine; brother, Nathaniel F. Bradley III; children, Katie (Dave), John Jay Jr., Pauli (Brett); grandchildren, Jeremy, Jessica (Shawn), John, Jerry, JoAnn, John Jay III, and Guy; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Patrick (Manon), Taylynn (Turner), Jeremy, Cory, Alyssa, and Kennadi; great-great-grandchildren, Turner II, and Oliver; and many nieces and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jerry (1981).

Our family wishes to send a special thank-you to Kathy, Carmen, Mia, Shawna and Jami with Colorado Palliative and Hospice Care. 

Visitation and Rosary, 1:00PM, Monday, October 30, 2023, Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, 11020 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908.

Funeral Mass, 11:00AM, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, 11020 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to the Black Forest Fire Rescue or the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region would be greatly appreciated.