Johnie Bradshaw

Johnie (James) Bradshaw passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at his home . He was born on July 17, 1928 to John and Perley Bradshaw at Gum Springs, Arkansas. He was the fourth child and first son. He was always called James by family and friends until he left high school. After he entered the work forces, he was called Johnie, Jim, John, Jesse, and Chico.

Shortly after leaving high school, he moved to Wilmington, California with his oldest sister and her husband. ln early 1950 s, he met his wife, Shirley. They married January 30, 1953 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They lived and worked in Wilmington nine years before moving to Arkansas. They purchased a farm in the Manchester community where they raised cattle for a number of years. During this time, he was a member of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association.

James was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church for 50 plus years, and he ushered for most of that time.

He also worked and retired from the Arkansas Highway Transportation Dept. After retiring, he stayed active in the retirees association trying to make all of the bi-monthly luncheon meetings in Camden and attending the annual meetings.

ln the 1980s he and his wife became interested in motorcycling. They traveled the entire U.S. and lower provinces of Canada on the bikes. They first rode two-up then later Shirley rode solo. James also started pulling a camping trailer. He was a member of the Spa City Riders until it disbanded. He was a 30 year plus member of the Retreads Motorcycle Club, and life member of the American Motorcycling Association.

After retiring in 1991, James and Shirley also started doing a lot of travelling with a local tour group. They went on many bus trips in the United states, went on a number of cruises including going around Cape Horn, and also through the Panama Canal. They went on several trips to Europe which included seeing the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany twice. They also went on many trips with their minivan, and their conversion van. One trip in the minivan was to Alaska taking their two German Shepherds with them.

He was a member of the National Riflemen's Association, and strongly supported the 2nd amendment of the Constitution.

James and his wife enjoyed dancing and went a couple of times a week to Arkadelphia Senior Adult Center in Arkadelphia and to the American Legion Hall in Malvern.


He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Rose Coston. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 65 years, three sisters, Ruth Eastlund of Reno, NV, Ora Patton of Arkadelphia, AR, Betty Allen of Bismarck, AR, and one brother, George Matt Bradshaw (Joyce) of Hot springs. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10:00 until 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 3rd at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be 11:30 AM Wednesday, October 3rd at South Fork Cemetery near Gurdon.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or the Clark County Humane Society.