August 5, 1969 – May 26, 2026

Born in Lubbock, Texas, on August 5, 1969, to Dianna and Keith Williamson, James Bradley Williamson came into this world with an innate passion for living life to the fullest. While Texas would not be his forever home, he cherished the time spent on his grandparents’ ranch, surrounded by wide-open spaces, cattle and horses, hardworking men and women, and the tireless rhythm of nature. Horseback riding, cattle drives, and meals born of that soil helped shape the man he would become: a beautiful amalgamation of toughness and sensitivity, brilliance and adventurousness — an environmentalist and a champion of justice.

Bradley and his parents and younger brother J moved to Loveland in 1976, and Colorado would remain Brad’s home. Two more brothers followed in the coming years: Drew and then Eric. The four boys played a ton of sports together, notably basketball. Brad was often disappointed that he had not been recruited from his front-yard basketball hoop for the Denver Nuggets.

He moved to Summit County after graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Journalism. A voracious reader all his life, books were one of his great passions, matched only by a love of skiing. When he arrived in the mid-1990s, he took a job with Resort Sports Network and quickly established himself as a member of the community. In the winter, you could find him on any mountain in the area, soul-surfing powder both solo and with friends — the most natural and mesmerizing of skiers. During Rocky Mountain summers, he carved along winding dirt trails through fields of wildflowers and groves of aspen on his mountain bike. Despite numerous surgeries following injuries sustained while pursuing the activities he loved, he wore those scars with pride.

As much as he loved to go fast, he also appreciated stillness — stillness in a book, in a touch, in a vista, in conversation, and in thought. He could be gregarious, witty, and outgoing, but he could also be thoughtful and calm, powerful traits in an increasingly busy world. These qualities were witnessed not only by his peers but also by the many children he embraced as family and loved dearly. Esther Bailey held a singular place in his heart, and he was immensely proud of her athletic prowess on the basketball court and soccer field. He cooked countless delicious meals, seasoned with love and laughter, for the Hyland family. Cooper, Molly, and Abby could both rile him up and soften him in an instant. Grace and Tate Gibbs were also cherished members of Bradley’s kid crew, and their shared laughter could often be heard down the block. He treated children with respect and kindness and counted these relationships among the most important and rewarding of his life.

As the General Manager, Executive Director, and Producer of Summit County Television since its inception in 2004, Bradley became increasingly invested in local government and the public school system. He referred to himself as “Pancounty” — in-the-know about local governance, nonprofits, and public education throughout Summit County. He had an insatiable appetite for producing passionate public programming and was proud to be the guy getting local news and information to the people. He counted colleagues as friends and friends as family, and he was loved within that community.

Bradley was a motorcyclist, often seen riding the county’s paved and dirt roads with a tripod jutting out of his backpack. Yet perhaps his greatest adventure was his love for Shelby Newley. Their connection was deep and real — built on laughter, shared miles on their motorcycles, and the quiet moments in between. He was grateful for every aspect of their time together, and she remains woven into his story in the most meaningful of ways.

Brad loved beauty and art and music and cooking and travel. He loved to laugh and learn and share his deep understanding of what it means to live big and well. Adventure was around every corner, and he relished seeking out the slightly dangerous and invigorating edges of feeling alive. To know him was to be touched by his sensitivity, quick wit, and courageous acts of love. His generous heart left marks on everyone it touched and inspired those who knew him to wish they could keep up.

Bradley is survived by his parents, Dianna and Keith Williamson, his brothers Drew and Eric, and the family of his beloved brother J, who sadly left this world before him — his wife Lindi and their children Chloe, Tess, and Jax. Drew and his wife Grace, along with their children Sophie, Marquez, and Jordan, hold only the most beautiful of memories to comfort them always. Eric, his wife Jenn, and their son Benjamin carry an eternity of love for Brad.

A Celebration of Life will be September 20th at Carter Park in Breckenridge.

“And for all I know he is sitting there still, under his favorite cork tree, smelling the flowers just quietly.”

— Ferdinand the Bull, by Munro Leaf