James Bridges

James Erle Bridges, Jr., age 60, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at his residence. He was born and raised in Homestead, Florida. Jim had resided in Haywood County for 28 years and was the son of the late James Erle Bridges and Gene Chmielewski Smith. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Bridges and a brother, John Bridges. He was a loving supportive husband, a wonderful dad and amazing grandfather. Jim was a man who always put his family first and foremost. He instilled a strong work ethic, kindness, wisdom, laughter, fun and love of family in all of us. Jim was instrumental in the Canton Lions Club's newest fundraising endeavor, Building Bridges Mud Run. Jim always said the Lord sent him here to take care of his patients. He worked for 35 years as a respiratory therapist practicing at Mission Hospitals – St. Joseph Campus and most recently at Asheville Specialty Hospital. Jim enjoyed life, loved his family, and cared for friends and neighbors. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary Bridges; three sons, Chad Bridges and his wife, Laura, Adam Bridges and his wife, Paige, and Butch Bridges and his wife, Paige, all of Canton; and Matthew Haney, whom he considered his fourth son; a niece, Christina Bridges; a nephew, William "Billy" David Bridges; five grandchildren, Alyssa Ellen, Tytus James, Dylan James, Peyton Elizabeth, and Carson James. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Ridgeway Baptist Church with the Reverend Jack W. Collins and Reverend Danny Long officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canton Lions Club, P.O. Box 482, Canton, NC 28716.

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