James C. Brady, prominent voice of The Jockey Club, dies at age 85

James C. Brady, a third-generation horseman and banker, died on Thursday at his home in Bedminster, N.J., it was announced Saturday by The Jockey Club, for whom he served in prominent positions for four decades. He was 85.

Brady’s grandfather and father both bred and raced champions, and Brady followed in their footsteps. Along with his brother and sisters, they raced as Mill House, whose best known runners included graded stakes winners America Alive, Brilliant, Hour Glass, Tights, and Trappe Shot. His brother, Nicholas, was a former chairman of The Jockey Club, United States Senator, and Secretary of the Treasury.

Racing and politics were prominent in James C. Brady’s life, too. After beginning his career in the banking business, he was commissioner of banking for the state of New Jersey, and in 1983 was appointed secretary-treasurer of The Jockey Club, a position he held until 2010, when he was succeeded by his nephew, Ian Highet. Brady remained on the The Jockey Club’s board of stewards through 2013.

A graduate of Yale, Brady is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan, one son, and two daughters.

Private services were held Saturday in New Jersey. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Donations in Brady’s name can be made to LifeCamp (greaternewarklifecamp.org), “a summer camp for inner-city youth long supported by the Brady family,” The Jockey Club release said.