Brady, Diamond Jim (1856-1917), was an American businessman famous for his extravagant lifestyle. His real name was James Buchanan Brady, but he was called Diamond Jim because of his lavish collection of diamond jewelry.
Brady was born in New York City on Aug. 12, 1856. As a young man, he worked as a bellhop and held various jobs with railroads and machinery manufacturers. He made a fortune in the late 1880’s selling railroad cars for the Fox Pressed Steel Car Company. He later served as director of the Standard Steel Car Company and other firms.
Brady became a New York celebrity. Newspapers described his visits to Broadway theaters and nightclubs, where he was often accompanied by actresses and showgirls. He wore a different set of precious gems for each day of the week, and he once bought his dog eyeglasses that were decorated with diamonds. Brady entertained lavishly and gave generous gifts to his friends.
In 1912, Brady donated money to establish the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, a center for the study of urinary problems at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He also gave a large sum to the New York Hospital (now the New York-Presbyterian Hospital) in New York City to endow its Brady Urological Division. He willed much of his estate to the institute and the hospital. Brady died on April 13, 1917.
