James E. Bradley

James E. Bradley, age 82, of Albuquerque, NM and Santa Fe, NM passed away at his Santa Fe home on Friday, September 13, 2013. His long-time companion, Rosa Rajkovic, wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and visits during James' illness. The youngest of three children, James Eugene Bradley was born on March 21, 1931, in Williamson County, IL, to Conrad Leo Bradley and Cecile (nee Jack) Bradley. Having been born during the Depression Era, as a young boy, James sold home-grown tomatoes for a nickel each to railroad workers so that he could buy shoes for school. James attended Community High School in Carbondale, Illinois and received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Economics from the University of Illinois. In the 1960s, as Director of Development for Rio Rancho Estates northwest of Albuquerque, James built the first subdivision in Rio Rancho and was instrumental in bringing Intel to the area. At the time, people questioned why someone would build so far out of Albuquerque. James started Sunland Realty, and he also was a member of the Board of Directors of the First State Bank of Rio Rancho. James named many of the streets in Rio Rancho, including Barbara Loop after his then wife. In the 1970s, James and AMREP incorporated and developed Eldorado, NM. Prior to moving to Albuquerque, NM from St. Paul, MN, James was Regional Manager of Industrial Development for the Great Northern Railway, now the Burlington-Northern. During his tenure at the railway, some 125 to 150 new facilities a year were located in his region. His region, at the time, covered all industrial activity in North and South Dakota, Minnesota, parts of Wisconsin and Ohio. James was active in with the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and the St. Paul Industrial Development Executives Association. Before this, James was Supervisor of the Community Preparedness Section of the Illinois Department of Business and Economic Development. In addition to community development activities, the Department was also responsible for export expansion, local and regional planning, tourist promotion, and research and analysis to attract industry to the area. James' whimsical Top Ten List of "Ways to Ruin a Town" appeared in numerous newspapers across the country. James was with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM, on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. with full military honors. The celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe home of Rosa Rajkovic. Much beloved James (Papa Jim) is survived by his long-time companion Rosa (Rose) Rajkovic, nephews Michael and Nicholas Rajkovic, granddaughter Serenity Rajkovic, daughter Karen Bradley, son Richard Bradley, granddaughter Lien Bradley, two corgis, Maggie and Lacey, and numerous loving friends. He is preceded in death by sons Charles Bradley and Steve Bradley. Floral arrangements, in accordance with military protocol, are being handled by Silene Floral (505-820-0911) of Santa Fe, NM. Memorial Contributions can be made to the VFW, Veterans of Foreign Wars. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400