James Allen Bradbury
James Allen Bradbury, born Dec 21, 1944, passed away in the presence of his family on January 5th 2025, after a battle with cancer. A longtime resident of Putnam County, West Virginia, Jim was born in Portsmouth, Oh to Paul E. and Ada E. Bradbury. Jim grew up with a love for working with his hands and for recognizing the value of the repair of things worthy and unworthy of restoration. After graduation from Dunbar High School in 1962, Jim studied first at West Virginia University in Mechanical Engineering before transferring to a specialized Measurement Science program at the State University of New York at Alfred, NY, graduating at the top of his class. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and worked for a scale company in Columbus, Ohio. Jim & Judy met at Alfred and when they decided to get married, he decided to move back to WV to help his father grow the family business of Kanawha Valley Scale Service, later renamed Kanawha Scales and Systems (KSS). Jim eventually led and grew this company into a worldwide enterprise. The company’s hallmark product was a high speed, accurate train loading system for bulk products which has now been consistently selling around the world for over 45 years in the US, Canada, China, Australia, South America, Africa, India, the Middle East, and more. Prior to the company’s sale in April 2022, in which Jim retained an ownership interest, the company had also grown to 19 locations throughout the eastern US. He was a member of the Kanawha Valley Business Forum and the Scale Dealer Association.
Beyond KSS, Jim owned and operated many other businesses, most notably several in the realty sector, along with his wife Judy and son, Mark, as well as other valued partners. He held interests and served in leadership roles in several other companies, including a British-based company specializing in high performance aftermarket components for the automotive industry. Since stepping away from the day-to-day operations of KSS, Jim’s greatest love was in finding, haggling, securing, and restoration of a wide variety of artifacts, from older cars and trucks to motorcycles, bicycles, clocks and just about everything in between.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Paul E Bradbury and Ada E Bradbury. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy L (Freeman) Bradbury, and his children Tracy (Mudar) Kattash of Lake Charles, LA, Mark (Holley) Bradbury of Scott Depot WV, Michael (Liz) Bradbury of Louisville KY, and sisters Pat Hatcher of Dunbar WV, Pauletta (Mike) Fisher of Durham, NC, and Debbie (David) Schwirian of Charleston WV. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren Ameera, Aniese, Aliya, Layla Kattash; Sarah and Hailey Bradbury; and Lou Bradbury (with a baby brother on the way), as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and extended family.
He enjoyed a long life with his wife, working side by side for 55 years and traveling the world together. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren many of life’s lessons like how to hold a flashlight steady while he worked under the hood of a car. His energetic and passionate work ethic, as well as his generosity to others has infected many around him, friends, family, and employees alike. His willingness to help repair your broken “anything” or to lend the tool or knowledge to do so will be greatly missed by many.
The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to HospiceCare of Charleston, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W, Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for January 18th 2025, from 4pm – 8pm at Embassy Suites 300 Court Street, Charleston, West Virginia, 25301. A time of sharing memories and stories will begin at 6:00 pm. A buffet of Hors d ’Oeuvres will be provided by the family.
We have a block of rooms held for anyone who needs one. Please use “Bradbury” when requesting a room. Hotel contact info: 1-304-347-8700
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
You will missed brother Jim.
Jim‘s obituary managed to capture his genius, his humor and his spirited temperament. He was always humble, helpful, and headed for glory.
Our prayers go out to Judy and all the family in this time of sorrow. Jim was a wonderful friend and will certainly be missed.
I am so sad to learn of this loss. Jim was a great man and touched many lives. I was blessed to spend time with Jim and Judy in Italy – a memory that I cherish.
The tribute is beautiful!
Jim was a very warm and hospitable person. The few interactions I had with him were memorable. My prayers are with Judy, Jim Freeman, and the rest of the family.
I’m am very sad to learn of Jim’s passing. My fondest memories of him are pushing him around Beijing in a wheelchair when he broke his foot in China and his voice trying to get my attention, calling out to me in old Beijing, “pang laowei”. I’m eternally grateful to the opportunities he gave me. He was a great man and he will be missed.
Dear Mark and the Bradbury Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of James’s passing, and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time of profound loss.
James was a remarkable person who touched the lives of so many with his warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit. Whether through his friendships, work, or family, his impact was felt in ways that will not be forgotten. It is clear that he brought immense joy and love into the world, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Although our meeting was brief, James invited a group of us jet engine mechanics into his home, without hesitation, when we drove up to West Virginia from North Carolina, on a spur of the moment trip. Treating us all like immediate family.
Please know that my thoughts are with you as you navigate through this difficult time. May you find comfort in one another and in the cherished memories you hold of James. If there is anything I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you strength, peace, and healing in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Isaiah Garcia and family.
Jim was very kind to me when he came in the office. always interested in you and what you have to say. He will truly missed.
With deepest sympathy
Linda Hollen -Columbus Ohio
My sincere condolences to the Bradbury family. I always had the highest level of respect for Jim and his business sense. He always had a a great sense of humor and the ability to surround himself with highly skilled team members.
We had the pleasure of knowing Jim from the Scale Dealers Association (SDA). Many great memories of Jim. My favorite is when we all sat for lunch in Tennessee and he held my then 6 month old daughter so that I could enjoy my lunch. Such a kind heart. My prayers are with Judy and family.
Much love,
Eileen and the Champion Scale family
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was not only an exceptional leader but also an outstanding businessman and an inspiring boss. His kindness, integrity, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to work along side Jim early in career.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy, Tracy, Mark, Michael and family during this difficult time. May the love and memories you shared bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With heartfelt condolences,
Allan Quimby & Family
Joan and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Judy and children. I was always very appreciate of Jim as KSS was my very first customer in starting my business and he was the reason.. Frank and Joan Bannister( Winfield and formerly Teays Farms)