James C. Bradford Jr. ’55

Jim died of cancer March 8, 2010, in Nashville, Tenn.  

He came to us from Groton. At Princeton, Jim majored in economics, was a member of Colonial, and senior year roomed with John Hoffman, David Howell, Pat Ophuls, and Bob Beardsley.

After Air Force service in Germany and a stint on Wall Street, Jim returned home to join the J.B. Bradford Company, founded by his father in 1927.

Jimmy and his colleagues grew a very successful full-service brokerage and securities firm from 100 to 2,400 employees in 84 offices covering 16 states prior to selling the company in 2000. Success derived, in no small part, from a customers-always-come-first business philosophy. Jim was widely recognized as the patriarch of a dynamic Nashville financial community.  

He eagerly participated in a wide range of civic and public-service activities, including the Nashville Symphony Association, Nash-

ville Area Chamber of Commerce, Ensworth School, Baptist Hospital, and Peabody College. Jim also lent his expertise to local and national securities-industry organizations.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lillian (Tooty); sons Jay and Bryan ’96; a sister, Eleanor; and many colleagues and friends. To them all, the class extends deepest sympathy.