James Brady - Definition and Overview

Chaos outside the Washington Hilton Hotel after the assassination attempt on President Reagan. James Brady and police officer Thomas Delahanty lie wounded on the ground.

James Scott Brady (born August 29, 1940) was Assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary under President Ronald Reagan. Brady was born in Centralia, Illinois. He joined the Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1962, Brady graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS degree in Political Science. Brady began his career in public service as a staff member in the office of famed Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen. During the summer of 1962, he was an Honor Intern at the US Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division. Brady held many positions including the following faculty member at Southern Illinois University 1964-65, Assistant National Sales Manger and Executive Mangager to the President of Lear-Seigler 1965-66, Director of Legilation and Public Affairs for the Illinois State Medical Society 1966-68, Whitaker and Baxter's Chicago Office Manger 1968-69, Executive and Vice President of James And Thomas Advertising and Public Relations 1969-73. Special Assistant to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 1973-75. Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget 1975-76. Assistant to the Secretary of Defense 1976-77. Member of the Staff of Senator William Roth 1976-77. He also served as Press Secretary to then Presidential candidate John Connally.

He was among those shot during John Hinckley, Jr.'s March 30, 1981, assassination attempt on Reagan suffering a serious head wound that left him partially paralyzed for life. Brady retained the title of press secretary the duration of Reagan's two terms in office - in practice he never returned to work following the shooting. Brady subsequently led lobbying efforts for stricter handgun control and is in the leadership of the Brady Campaign. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, also known simply as the Brady Bill, was named in his honor.

For the U.S. Senator with a similar name, see James H. Brady.