Our condolences to Debbie and family.
I grew up with Mike since 1957 and friends throughout life.
Did not get to spemd time much after Mike serving military but tried to make contact and when I did Mike and I shared memories as kids and related and shared just like in the mocie "Stand By Me" We road our biles around the city and country share youth together...
Mike was generally quiet and a great friend to many><<><>
Mike within the DHS Class of 1969 was loved by many and and considered a well mannored and charismatic and talented and friends to many.
It was an honer to call hin friend.
Famly can contact me a Gmail [tommy.stevens1969] or text [559.284.7802]. HUGGS to everyone XOXOPEACE++++

We will miss you so much dad. Love you always and forever.

The best dad a girl could ask for. I love you Dad❤️

Dad was so proud of being a Marine and his service in Vietnam. He enjoyed participating in community activities throughout the years.

Dad was such a loving grandpa to Nicole. He loved and adored her more than anything and they have had so much fun together over the years.

My heart ♥️ goes out to the entire Bridge family. Such amazing kind people with such big hearts for their community. RIP Mike I hope you and Rob get to meet up and hang out I am sure he has it all figured out in Heaven. Debbie & Kay if there is anything I can do for you please ask I am a call or text away. Love & Hugs Maria Rocca

I had the privilege of meeting Mike and Debbie when I was 12 years old. Kalene and I became instant best friends and our dads drove together to work everyday. We spent many evenings enjoying suppers, darts, and long conversations together and there would be times when I would spend a whole week living at their house or Kalene would do the same at my house. Our families were so close for several years. Of course, times changed and we moved to different cities, but the friendships lasted. Mike and Debbie are affectionately known as Dad2 and Mom2 to me and I got to be their Daughter2! I will forever cherish the love and kindness and joy Mike gave me. My deepest condolences as the pain is real and true in my heart too. But, I can rest in the joy that Mike is worshiping Jesus today! I love you, Bridge Family! ❤️‍🩹

Mike, Debbie, and Kalene were my next-door neighbors in Selma when Kalene was four and my daughters were three and six. Being raised in Toronto, Canada, my impression of American neighbors was expected to be like the Flintstones. I looked to us and the Bridges like the Rubbles and the Flintstones. Mike was the strong, contemplative type and Debbie was also strong, thoughtful, and well spoken. I felt safe knowing they were the neighbors I could trust and depend upon.
     Mike adored little Kalene and I can still hear his laugh and giggle enjoying her little girl antics. One day Kalene ran out her front door saying “I’m on television! I’m on television!” I ran into her house to see, and yes indeed she was on television. Mike had videotaped her and played it on their television set. We were all in smiles with her innocent joy, and I can see Mike smiling and giggling with delight at her reaction. It was very sweet.
      Mike also lent help to extended family members in need providing security and a safe atmosphere for them to get “on their feet.” He was generous, patient and loving in this way.
      Mike also was kind to animals and assisted Debbie in rehoming or adopting strays.
      Our family also enjoyed Mike’s barbecued hamburgers and Debbie’s gracious welcoming hostess manner. In this way, we kept in touch after their move to Coarsegold.
      In conversation, Mike was pensive, reflective, and thought before he spoke. His past life experiences and education served well to answer in ways that were intelligent and Godly. He and Debbie were solid Christians who patterned their lives in the ways of The Word. It was comforting to have friends who could understand and support the lifestyle Christ decreed. Although this is a verse that is typically read at weddings, I can say that this describes the way Mike lived his life, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. (ESV) Saint Paul writes: “Love is patient and kind: love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does

OBITUARY

James Michael Bridge

December 8, 1949 – October 14, 2023

Dopkins Funeral Chapel

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