CSM James Bradley Handley Jr. (Ret)

Command Sergeant Major James Bradley Handley Jr was born on March 24, 1945, in the United States Naval Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. He joined the United States Army on July 20, 1965. His military service spanned thirty years active duty including three tours in Vietnam, Korea, Desert Shield & Desert Storm. Twenty-five of his thirty years were spent assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft Bragg, NC, with his last duty as the Discom Command Sergeant Major. After his retirement from the Army, he dedicated 20 years as a US Army Contractor at Ft. Bragg. NC. 

James married the former Cindy Q Webster of Fayetteville, NC on August 24,1969 and they lived together as husband and wife for over 55 years. He credited his long and successful military career to the love and support of his wife, family, and his profound patriotism. They had two children Katina Madruga and William Little. 

James is survived by his wife Cindy, daughter Katina Madruga, son William (Sharon) Little, grandson Kyle Madruga (Shelly Atwood), granddaughters Stephanie (Taylor) Steen and Evelyn Vinson, three great grandchildren, Eden Little, Oliver Vinson, and Abigail Steen. Sister in-law Yolanda Webster, Brother in-law Fred Webster (Derryn) and sister Barabra Fuller. He is preceded in death by his Mother & Father in-law Fred & Nancy Webster of Fayetteville, NC and James & Florence Handley of Montgomery Alabama. 

Known to his fellow soldiers and troops as Captain America or Elvis; he was described as fair, decent, and kind to the troops under his command. It was said that he treated the men under his command as a father would treat his sons; lending his guidance when needed and dispensing discipline as required. His guidance is remembered fondly by those who knew him and will be sorely missed. 

He once said "Before you on this field are probably the best soldiers in the world. Not only are the mechanics, riggers, electricians, and cooks, they are infantrymen. And when they are called upon to support this division, they do it better than anybody in the world. You don't just put good soldiers in the 82nd. You put in the best. 

I hope the skies are always blue, the winds low and your landings soft. AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!!

A visitation will be held Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at LaFayette Baptist Church from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM with services immediately following. 

Interment will be at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery 8220 Bragg Blvd. Spring Lake, NC 28390.

In Lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to LaFayette Baptist Church for Hurricane Helene relief, 501 Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304. 

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home of Fayetteville, NC. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com