James W. Gleason, Sr., 77, of 60 Scott Drive Bradford, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024, surrounded by his family while at home.

Born February 8, 1947, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Stanley M. and Bettie M. (Becker) Gleason, Jr.

He was a 1965 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School. He attended St. Bonaventure until he was drafted on April 14, 1969, into the United States Army. He served until his honorable discharge on November 21, 1970.

On August 9, 1998, at the Jim Gleason Ball Field, he married Colleen M. (Gray) Gleason, who survives.

He worked for SM Gleason & Co. as a Job Forman for 35 years. He was proud of many of his buildings, including the building of the Zippo / Case Museum, Union Square, Bradford Public Library and the addition and remodel at the YMCA.

Jim coached Midget League Football, was a coach and Commissioner of the Bradford Basketball Youth League for 35 years and he coached the Lincoln Senior League teams for over 20 years. He built and maintained the Jim Gleason Ball Field for 20 years.

He was a Ramblers Associate Volunteer, a member of the Bradford Central Christian High School Alumni, Italian American Progressive Club, Western New York Trotters Association member and his horses raced in Western New York, and Pennsylvania at the Meadows Racetrack. He owned many horses including SG’s Delight. He was a lifelong Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan, avid golfer and longtime member of Pine Acres Country Club.

Surviving in addition of his wife Colleen of 26 years and their beloved dog Taz, is one daughter, Michele Gleason, of Bradford, four sons, James Gleason, Jr., of Bradford, Matthew Gleason, of Atlanta, GA., Adam (Amanda) James, of Petrolia,  and Dominick (Tabbatha) James, of Coudersport, one sister, Barbara (Duane) Bartlebaugh, of Bradford, one brother, John (Jeanne) Gleason, of Tampa, FL, eight grandchildren, that were the joys of his life. Christopher, Allie, Nick, Nate, Brooke, Alex, Anna, and Bella, one great grandchild, Calvin, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert F. Gleason.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 am, in St. Francis Church, with Fr. Ed Walk, as Celebrant, followed by a family and close friends gathering afterwards at St. Bernard’s cafeteria. Burial with military honors will be accorded in St. Bernard Cemetery, with members of the United States Army and members of the Honor Guard of the Bradford American Legion Post 108.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a local youth sports program of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.,

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com