James Otis Bridges, Jr.

James O. “Jimmie” Bridges, Jr., age 94, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022 at Parkview Retirement Center with his wife by his side.

He was born May 6, 1928 in Sanford, NC.  The son of the late James O. Bridges, Sr. and Edna Tulluck Bridges.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Cheryl Bridges and a very special companion, Precious.

He is survived by his wife, of over 71 years, Ernestine Bridges (maiden) Bridges; sons James O. “Jay” Bridges, III and wife Michelle (Stella), William Evander “Bill” Bridges and wife Lori and five grandchildren, one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter.  He attended Sanford High School and NC State University.

Jimmie was a member of Flat Springs Baptist Church where he organized the first choir and directed it for a number of years.  He also served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and chairman of the House & Grounds Committee.  He also served as chairman of the Building Committee for a number of years.  In addition, he made the first bulletin for the church and printed it for a number of years.

He organized the Northview Fire Department in 1963 and served as its Chief until his retirement in 1988.

He was a life member of the Sanford Lions Club where he had been a member for over fifty years.  He held every office on the local level.

One of his favorite pastimes was volunteering at Tramway Elementary School and working at Bullock Elementary School.

The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of Flat Springs Baptist Church Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.  The memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM with Dr. Gary McCollough officiating.  Burial of cremains will follow in the church cemetery with Northview Fire Department honors.

Jimmie has asked the Sanford Lions Club, W.C. Howard/James Bridges Bible Class and the Northview Fire Department to sit as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Flat Springs Baptist Church General Fund, 4148 Deep River Rd., Sanford, NC 27330.

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