CONWAY — James Alan Bradshaw (Brad),

83, died March 23, 2023. He was born August 30, 1939, to Annie Louden Murphey and Oscar Wayne Bradshaw in Williamson, W. Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jon Bradshaw.

Brad was an electronic warfare officer in the B-58 Hustler. After pilot training he was a C-130 pilot and instructor for 12 years. He also served as an air operations officer in Germany and a computer systems officer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, retiring in 1984 at the rank of Major. He was a Vietnam veteran and served in southeast Asia for two tours of duty. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. After retirement from the Air Force, he was employed by Axiom in Conway.

Hobbies and interests included travel, adventure (skydiving, ziplining, sailing), books, art, classical music, gardening and gourmet cooking a la James Beard. A colorful raconteur, Brad could regale his friends with his many stories. He thoroughly enjoyed his monthly lunch dates with his closest buddies. Although considered “a man about town,” Brad was most comfortable in his khaki shorts and short-sleeved shirts no matter the weather or occasion.

Brad was deeply loved by many, and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his devoted wife, JoAnn Bradshaw; daughter, Jennifer Bradshaw (Aaron and granddaughter, Quinlan Ketelson); stepson, Blake Murchison (Tia, grandchildren, Blake II and Alexandra Murchison); stepdaughters, Myssy Hartley, DJ Ripley, and families; sister-in-law, Carolyn Pfeiffer, and niece, Shannon; and nephew, Rick Carrington.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 1, at 2 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Ark. Visitation and a light lunch will take place at 12:30 p.m. preceding the service.