James Edward Bridges, Sr.

Mr. James Edward Bridges, Sr., age 93, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at his daughter’s home surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Bridges was born in Miami, Florida. He settled in Lake City, Florida 40 years ago. He retired after 35 years  as a Superintendent for Hercules Powder Company; during which time he resided in various cities in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. He was a proud World War II Veteran having served under the U. S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine Seaman. He was a member of Christ Central Ministries, Lake City, Florida. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and tending to his farm animals. Most of all, he loved spending time with his adoring family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Mae Clemons Bridges; his son, James E. Bridges, Jr.; his son-in-law, Levon Fountain; his parents, Elijah and Ida Browning Bridges; two grandsons, Robert L. Bridges and Russel Edward Bridges; and two brothers, Charles Bridges and J.C. Bridges. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia B. Fountain of Lake City, Florida; three sons, Larry W. (Judy) Bridges of O’Brien, Florida, David R. (Cheryl) Bridges of Lake City, Florida and Garry S. (Laurie) Bridges of Vero Beach, Florida; daughter-in-law, Penny L. Bridges of Orlando, Florida; sister, Mildred Cobb of Lake City, Florida; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Bridges will be held at 11 A.M. Monday  at Christ Central Ministries with Rev. Lonnie Johns, Pastor officiating. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Lake City, Florida. Visitation and gathering will be from 10 to 11 A.M. (one hour before services) at the church. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 2659 S.W. Main Blvd., Lake City, Florida is in charge of arrangements. www.guerry funeral home.net.