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James Alfred Bradshaw, 87, passed away at home on September 15, 2026
Jim was born on January 13, 1939, in St. Clairsville, Ohio to parents William and Margaret (Fleming) Bradshaw. Jim was a standout athlete at St. C High School and maintained lifelong friendships with teammates from his years playing sports in the Ohio Valley. He recently recounted to family how his life was forever changed when he spotted the "new girl" named Theo Keppel, who was wearing a crazy purple poodle skirt at a dance. The high school sweethearts married in 1959 and spent the next 67 years side by side; from Jim's years as a quarterback at the University of Chattanooga where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021, through his five seasons as a defensive back with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one season with the Cleveland Browns. After his playing days were behind him, Jim and Theo stayed in Pittsburgh where Jim's outgoing personality and business savvy lent well to a successful career selling fabricated steel products. In 1976, the Bradshaw family moved to Columbus, Ohio where Jim was the General Manager of a division of United McGill Corporation. Jim later joined Theo in selling real estate where their "Spouses Selling Houses" ads were a real hit! Jim had a huge heart for children and served as president of the Ohio Chapter of the NFL Alumni, helping to organize countless charity golf outings raising money for youth health, education and wellness programs. Jim was a 50 year member of Mifflin Presbyterian Church, where he served several terms as an Elder and Trustee.
Jim's greatest joy was spending time with family. He was the universal "Pop Pop" or Uncle Jim to 3 generations of kids in his vast extended family. Whether it was after dinner DQ runs or teaching them to fish at Lake Tipsico in Michigan, the children always brought tremendous joy to Jim's life. Even when the effects of his years playing ball diminished his memory, Jim still lit up whenever his grands, great-grands and other kids were visiting. What turned out to be his final night with us was no exception. Jim was surrounded by a group of family and friends, sharing a meal that began as every family dinner in our home did, with the Keppel family prayer.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother William Bradshaw Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Theo (Keppel) Bradshaw, daughters Randi Dailey of Gahanna, OH, Robin Bradshaw (Casey Shoenhard) of Oceanside, CA, Kathy (Tim) Miller of Blacklick, OH and son James A. Bradshaw, Jr. (Susan) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Grandchildren Amber Kothe, Maggie McFarlen, Morgan Brand, James Bradshaw, John Bradshaw, Taylor Bradshaw, Karly Ratzenberger, Jack Ratzenberger, Emily Hensley, Olivia Miller, and 7 great-grandchildren. Niece Karin (Tom) Stewart of Clearwater Beach, FL, nephew William (Kally) Bradshaw III, of Mogadore, OH. Grand-nieces Amanda Neyer, Eleni Duchaine, Jessica Kearns, Becca Turner, grand-nephew William Bradshaw.
Jim donated his earthly body to be used for research at The Ohio State University. The family requests any memorial donations be made to either Mifflin Presbyterian Church, Gahanna, OH or Concussion & CTE Foundation at: https://concussionandcte.org/ Celebration of Life scheduled at Mifflin Presbyterian Church, 123 Granville St, Gahanna, Ohio on November 23, 2026 at 3:00PM.