Lieutenant Colonel James Robert Bridges, Jr. USAF (Ret.), resident of Owasso, Olahoma, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017. James was 87 years old. James was born May 5, 1929, in Lubbock, Texas, to James R. Bridges, Sr. and Nora Reed. He was raised in Lubbock and attended Lubbock High School. He received his B.S. in Animal Husbandry from Texas Tech University. James married Patricia Althea Libby in Lovington, New Mexico, on December 4, 1954. To this union two children were born. James served in the United States Air Force for 30 years. He served his career primarily in the Strategic Air Command where he started as a deputy crew commander in the Titan II missile program, eventually becoming a wing commander. Because of his Air Force career, James and his immediate family lived in many cities throughout the U.S. He retired from the Air Force in 1981. After his Air Force career, James was employed as a Program Manager for multiple defense contractors. After retiring from his second career in 1995, James and Patricia moved to Chandler, Texas, where he worked as a substitute high school teacher. In 2009, James and Patricia moved to Owasso. He was a member of the Association of the Air Force Missileers and a member of the Texas Tech Alumni Association. He was active as a 4-H leader and enjoyed writing.
Two children survive James – Harlan Bridges and Byron Bridges.
Also surviving are two grandchildren – Lance Bridges and Shane Bridges. James was preceded in death by his wife Patricia and his parents. James was an only child.
Private family services will be held. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
