Joel was born on April 30, 1977, in Canton, Ohio. He earned his GED in Canton and attended college at Stark State University. Joel held many different jobs over the years that he enjoyed. In his free time, Joel loved to spend his time with his son, Marcus, collecting coins, listening to music, watching movies, and going on drives. When he was younger, he especially enjoyed playing soccer, football, and basketball.
Joel is survived by his son, Marcus Bridges, and Marcus’s mother, Angela Dupal. Joel is also survived his mother, Velma (Schmucker) Bridges, his sister, Krista (Mark) Kurcsak, lifelong friends of over 30 years: George Chance and Jeremy Strickland and his family; his nieces and nephews: Landon, Lauren, and Lucas Kurcsak; his uncle, Lloyd (Friedegund) Schmucker, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Joel is preceded in death by his father, Jim Bridges, his cousin, Tony Schmucker, and his grandparents.
Per his families wishes, Joel will be cremated and a Memorial Service will be held for him at First Friends Church on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11:30 am with Pastor Nathanael Fawcett officiating. Calling hours will be held prior to the memorial on Tuesday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joel’s name to Pathway Caring For Children at https://www.pathwaycfc.org/donate/.
