James “Jim” Hilliard Bradshaw, 79, of Waynesville, NC, passed away peacefully at Haywood Regional Medical Center, on Friday, April 24, 2026. He was born in Haywood County on September 29, 1946, to parents James and Kathleen (Moody) Bradshaw.

Jim grew up in Waynesville on his grandparents’ farm, Frank and Ada Bradshaw, who played a large part in his upbringing. He spent his childhood days helping them out on the farm, learning the value of hard work early on in life. He graduated from high school in 1964.

In 1963, Jim married the love of his life, Maxine Ferguson, the couple was blessed with the births of their two sons, Randall and Rodney. In the early years of their marriage, Jim worked for the Dayco Plant before taking a position with Shell Oil, for which the couple packed up and moved to Texas in 1970. After a few short years, and having proved himself, Jim was promoted to Supervisor and served in that position until he retired after 35 years of dedicated service to the company. One of the highlights of his career was spending a couple years working in Saudia Arabia constructing a coal gasification system.

In the 2000s, Jim and Maxine moved back to Waynesville to enjoy their retirement. Jim spent his days working on his property, volunteering at church, and spending time with his family, friends, and truly loved the time he spent with Maxine gardening and tending to the yard. Jim was a man of faith, having given his heart to the Lord early on in life. He represented the values of an honest, hardworking, Christian man, who prioritized others over himself. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his neighbors, or anyone who just simply asked. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, dedication, and memories that will not soon be forgotten.

May God Bless the memory of James Hilliard Bradshaw.

Left to mourn his passing is his Spouse of 63 beloved years, Maxine Bradshaw; Sons, Randall (Christi) Bradshaw, Rodney Bradshaw; a Grandson, Keaton; Uncle’s, Grover Bradshaw, and Johnny Bradshaw; an Aunt, Sybil Crawford. He was preceded in death by his Parents, James and Joan Bradshaw, Kathleen Moody; Grandparents, Frank and Ada Bradshaw.

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