James ‘Mel’ Bradley

James “Mel” Bradley, 83, an unwavering pillar of love for his family and friends, passed away in his home of over 40 years on Sunday, his wife with him in his final Earthly moments. The oldest son of James and Marie Bradley, Mel was born August 24, 1939, and worked from an early age to support his family. He took on his role as oldest son with fortitude, dedicated to the happiness and well-being of his parents and siblings alike. When Mel was a kid, the family moved from Arkansas to California where he would eventually meet Barbara Mendenhall, who became his wife in 1959. With Barbara and a new daughter in tow, Mel moved to Washington in 1962 and made their home in Moses Lake. Their son, born five years later, completed the family unit. The life Mel built with Barbara was a full one, filled with fishing, camping trips, and careers in truck driving and, later, motorcycle mechanics. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to his family as it expanded to include much-loved sisters- and brothers-in-law and eight nieces and nephews. He was an unwavering family man.