James Curry Bradburn

James Curry Bradburn, 74, of Little Rock, AR, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY surrounded by his family. He was born on May 24, 1952, in New Orleans, LA, to Jean and Curry Bratton Bradburn, Jr. James graduated from Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, AR, and attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, and his brothers-in-law. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Kathy, son, Beau Bradburn, daughter, Stefanie Bradburn, granddaughter Riley “Bear” Bradburn, and mother-in-law, Irene Uhrynowycz, all of Louisville, KY, granddaughter Trista Bradburn of Choctaw, OK, brothers Cary (Monty) Bradburn of North Little Rock, AR, Conrad (Jeanne) Bradburn of Jacksonville, FL, sister-in-law, Cindy Uhrynowycz of North Little Rock, AR, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Jimmy lived the kind of life that left people with stories to tell, laughs to remember, and shoes that will be impossible to fill. He passed away surrounded by his family.

Jimmy was many things. A devoted husband to Kathy, a proud father to Beau and Stefanie, a loving "Hee-Haw" to Riley and Trista, a brother to Cary and Conrad, a loyal friend, a funeral director who compassionately guided families through their darkest days, and, if you asked him, still one hellacious athlete.

He loved his family with everything he had. Nothing lit up his face quite like his granddaughters. Whether he was gathered around the table with family, cooking a meal that brought everyone together, or heading out before sunrise to scout teams before a game or to find the field, he was happiest when he was with the people he loved. He was there in the little things: the phone calls, the rides, the projects, the encouragement, and the unwavering belief that together, somehow, everything would work out.

Jimmy had a personality that was impossible to ignore. He was funny, stubborn enough to argue with a road sign, generous beyond measure, and blessed with a sarcastic wit that could leave you laughing before you realized you'd just been the punchline. If life knocked him down, he'd grin and mutter, "Come on, leg," as if determination alone could convince his body to cooperate. And whenever someone got caught up worrying over things that didn't matter, he'd remind them, "Don't sweat the small stuff." He believed life was too precious to waste on little things.

For decades as a funeral director, Jimmy cared for countless families with the utmost compassion during some of the hardest moments they would ever face. He understood that compassion wasn't something you turned on and off; it was simply who you were. He treated people with dignity, respect, and kindness when they needed it most, a reflection of the man he was every single day.

He was also a fierce protector. If you were lucky enough to be part of Jimmy's circle, you never had to wonder whether he had your back. He did. Every time. His strength wasn't just measured by the athlete he once was, but by the way he stood up for the people he loved, defended them without hesitation, and quietly carried burdens that weren't even his to bear.

Jimmy leaves behind a family who adored him and countless friends whose lives are richer because they knew him. He also leaves behind a collection of stories that will only get better with time; stories filled with laughter, sarcasm, hunting trips, home-cooked meals, and unforgettable one-liners. He would probably roll his eyes at all this fuss, crack a joke to ease everyone's tears, and remind us that life is meant to be lived, not just mourned.

His greatest legacy isn't found in his career, his accomplishments, or even his athletic glory days. It lives in Kathy, Beau, Stefanie, Riley, Trista, Cary, Conrad, and every person who carries a piece of his humor, generosity, resilience, and love forward.

Though our hearts are heavy, we choose to remember Jimmy the way he lived—with laughter louder than sorrow, stories longer than the day, and love that never needed to be spoken because it was shown in everything he did. He taught us that hard work matters, that kindness costs nothing, and that laughter can carry us through even the hardest days.

Rest easy, Jimmy. We know Heaven just gained a protector, a storyteller, an incredible cook, and one hellacious athlete. He's already making new friends, telling one of his legendary stories, and smiling that familiar smile that always made the world feel a little lighter. He will be missed beyond words and loved beyond measure.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home (8801 Knoedl Court) with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.