James Marsh Bradbury
November 10, 1923 - June 21, 2013

The life of James Bradbury will be remembered in countless ways. Although dearly missed, he leaves a lasting legacy of a man with a fun-loving spirit who dedicated his time and efforts for the benefit of all. He successfully cultivated his family business, yet never set aside his enjoyment for living and the love of family. For these things and more, Jim will be remembered fondly.

With a new and evolving mindset, the decade of the 1920s brought forth times of plenty along with years of hardship. The infamous Roaring Twenties, with new innovations, technological advances, and changing culture, left many struggling in the later part of the decade as a result of the Great Depression. However, the year 1923 was an especially happy time filled with blessings in the lives of Carl and Luella (Marsh) Bradbury.

Born on November 10, 1923, the Bradbury's welcomed the birth of their son, James Marsh Bradbury into their hearts. Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, he was later joined by his younger sister, Bonnie, and grew up in downtown Muskegon on Clinton Street where the Bradbury's made their home. CW Marsh was the family business operated by James' father which made leather packing for pumps and hydraulic systems. It was a thriving company, and employed many within the greater Muskegon community.

James attended the Muskegon Public schools and experienced an enjoyable childhood for the times. His family owned a cottage on Beach Street at Lake Michigan, and spent summers there on the beach and in the dunes taking in all the area had to offer. As members of the Muskegon Country Club, he played tennis there frequently. Jim and his family attended St. Pauls Episcopal Church, and in his younger years he sang in the church choir. While attending Muskegon High School, he played coronet in the marching band, and during his summers he worked at CW Marsh.

With his early education behind him, Jim went on to further his education at Amherst College in Massachusetts following his high school graduation. With the onset of World War II, Jim, like many other young men in college, joined the U.S. military. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served for a time until an injury to one of his eyes left him nearly blind, which ended his military career. Upon his discharge from the service, he returned to Amherst to complete his education. After College, Jim once again began working at CW Marsh, this time traveling around the country as a sales representative for his father's business and other manufacturers, as well.

It was through a meeting arranged by several of Betty Teel's relatives Jim knew that he met the young woman who would find a place in Jim's heart. A single mother who lived in Chicago with her daughter, Gigi, Jim and Betty made for a likable pair and immediately hit it off. They were married in 1952 in Grand Rapids, and Jim went on to adopt Betty's daughter, Gigi as his own. They moved to the state of Massachusetts where together they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Mimi in 1953. Elizabeth completed their family in 1956. After Elizabeth's birth, Jim and his family returned to Muskegon where he joined his father in the family business full time. It was undoubtedly a difficult time for Jim when Betty sadly died in 1957, leaving him to raise their three young girls alone.

As fate would have it, Jim began dating Rose Murbarger, who had also been recently widowed. Having had known one another socially over the years, they were soon married in 1958, and settled into a house on Circle Drive in North Muskegon. Jim and Rose had a penchant for travel. As a family they shared memorable trips around the country in their Winnebago, and enjoyed regular picnics at Bay Mills and Snug Harbor. They also had a ski boat and spent many enjoyable days on Lake Michigan, even though the boat regularly broke down and the Coast Guard had to tow them home on several occasions.

In the 1970s, Jim and Rose bought a time share in beautiful Costa Rica. They spent several weeks there every year for many years with their good friends, and made numerous memories to last a lifetime. Once their children were older with lives of their own, Jim and Rose took many trips to destinations around the world, including riverboat cruises in Europe, and cruises to Alaska, just to mention a few. Jim continued to be a faithful member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church and the Muskegon Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and was an astute bridge player, too. Among his memberships, he was also a member of the ABC Club and the Century Club. He loved a good lobster dinner, as well as his Martinis. Once again, Jim experienced the loss of a beloved wife when Rose sadly passed away in 1999.

Throughout his career, Jim was extremely dedicated to his position and company. He eventually ascended to become the CEO and Chairman of the Board of CW Marsh, and upheld the values and hard work of his father with pride and conviction. With his inventive flair and forward thinking, he was always coming up with new products and ideas to improve the business. Ever dedicated to the employees of CW Marsh, he made certain they were each taken care of. He often went out of his way to commend them, and took a personal interest in their needs. Jim never retired. The business was his way of life, and even a week prior to his death, he attended a board meeting.

Love was not lost in Jim's heart. He loved the companionship of a loving wife by his side, and during a river cruise in Europe with his daughters, he met Jane Spencer. They shared much in common, and immediately forged a bond. Jane lived in Florida, but before long they were traveling back and forth dating. Jim surprised Jane with in engagement ring he carried in a Burger King bag, and on February 3, 2001, they were joined in marriage. For six months of the year they resided in Muskegon, and for the remaining six months of cold weather and winters, they lived in Florida.

Jim loved being a grandfather. He instilled in them his love of music, the arts, travel, and the importance of education. They brought him the greatest joy, and he held high hopes for each of them. Jim also loved poetry, and at family weddings he often recited poems to celebrate the moment. It was also in Jim's nature to get a rise out of people, especially when it came to politics. As a staunch republican, he often made politically enticed comments just to get a reaction.

Health issues plagued Jim throughout his life. Over the years he had knees and hips replaced, and surgery for a new heart valve, pacemaker, and more. Even so, Jim always recovered and seemingly kept on going just like an energizer bunny! It was a part of Jim's nature to be involved in everything from business to social interactions. He possessed a love for living, and did so exceedingly well. Having lived fully and completely at every opportunity, he did well for himself, his family, and those around him. Although his spirit was willing, Jim's body could go on no more, and on Friday, June 21, 2013, Jim died in the comfort of his home. Determined and with a zest for life, the memory of Jim Bradbury lives on in the hearts of many

James is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Gigi (Bill) Wehrwein of IL, Mimi (Rod) Morphew of CO, Elizabeth Bradbury of FL; stepdaughters, Rebecca (Joseph) Bonelli of CT, Sara (Carl) Daniels of FL; grandchildren, Bill Wehrwein, Dan Wehrwein, Heidi Smith, Lee Morphew, Caitlin Morphew, Alexandra Morphew, Aaron Paul, Brandon Paul, Jonathon Zysk, Spencer Zysk, Devon Spencer, C.J. Daniels; great-grandchildren, Emerson, Ethan, Elle, Maverick, Bretton; nephew, Dick Murbarger; and cousins, Jackie Steinbach and John Bradbury. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Teel in 1957; second wife, Rose Murbarger in 1999; stepson, Michael Baldwin; and his sister, Bonnie Lue Bradbury. SERVICE: Wednesday, June 26, 2013, 2:00 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas C.H. Scott officiating. VISITATION: Tuesday, 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Muskegon Museum of Art or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.

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